A Review on Fabrication Types of Micro/Nano Hierarchical Structures and Their Applications in Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

This review paper discusses various nano/microstructures and fabrication techniques. The nano/ microstructure materials like nano/micropatterned polymer and hierarchical structured surfaces employ different fabrication processes which is the main purpose of this review paper to identify the best technique for Aerospace applications.. The common nano/micro patterned polymer surfaces fabrication technique is by using soft lithography. Hierarchical structured surfaces fabrication techniques are by using soft lithography, self-assembly and by drag reduction from shark skin. They have a special and excellent surface functions namely hydrophobicity, structure color, drag reduction, anti-adhesion, color camouflages and other features. Super hydrophobic surfaces are used for various applications, such as solar panels, cutlery, roof tiles, fabrics, self-cleaning windows, windshields, buildings paints, external paints for ships and others. The main applications in aerospace are the airfoil design, self-cleaning window glasses or paints and anti-corrosion metal surfaces. The methods employed to arrive on our specific applications are description on nano/micro hierarchical structures, useful natural replicas for these strictures, identifying their surface functions and unique benefits as well as the recommended fabrication processes and applications. The best application we found is the riblet fabrication used in airplanes and airfoils geometries. These hierarchical structured surfaces are fabricated by drag reduction from shark skin.