A method for providing a superhydrophobic surface on a structure, for
example aircraft wings, propellers and/or rotors, is set forth. The
method includes applying a coating of hydrofluoric acid over a titanium
substrate. A voltage is then applied across the titanium substrate so
that current flows through the titanium substrate. The current flowing
through the titanium substrate causes the hydrofluoric acid to react with
the titanium substrate to anodize the titanium substrate. The anodization
causes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer to grow across the titanium
substrate. The titanium oxide layer includes a plurality of nano-tube
structures that, once the remaining hydrofluoric acid is washed away,
provide a microscopically rough surface on the titanium substrate. A
conformal coating of a hydrophobic compound is then desposited on the
microscopically rough surface to create a superhydrophobic surface. Thus,
a substantially self-cleaning superhydrophobic surface is created on the
titanium substrate, whereby, when exposed to ultraviolet light, the
titanium oxide layer has a photocatalytic reaction with oxygen to oxidize
any organic contaminants that may gather on the superhydrophobic surface.