A textured surface that makes water float at a much lower heat

Water droplets normally float on a hot pan only above 230 degrees Celsius. But scientists found a way to make them float at just 130 degrees. They used a surface with tiny pillars that heat the water faster. This trick works because the pillars help the water turn to steam more quickly. The effect is called the Leidenfrost effect. The team at Virginia Tech tested this with their textured surface. It let the droplets levitate at a much lower heat. This could help cool machines and improve nuclear reactor safety.

License: TypeCram Original