Wetting states on structured immiscible liquid coated surfaces

Water on structured hydrophobic surfaces can be supported in a Wenzel or Cassie state, depending on surface chemistry and structure geometry. The Cassie state is often desirable for superhydrophobic materials as it features high contact angles and low contact angle hysteresis due to an air layer which separates most of the liquid from contact with the solid. We present evidence that multiple wetting states for water can also exist on multiscale structured surfaces with a layer of an immiscible liquid coating the surface and that a Cassie-like state can be achieved which results in enhancement of the surface properties. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.