Superhydrophobicity determines the buoyancy performance of kapok fiber aggregates

Superhydrophobicity is commonly regarded as a surface property that has important consequences for self-cleaning applications. Here we show interestingly that the superhydrophobicity is closely connected to the bulk buoyancy performance of kapok fiber aggregates, a natural material endowed with superhydrophobicity and extraordinary high porosity. First of all, we have determined the superhydrophobicity of a single kapok fiber, which can be ascribed to its micro-nano-binary structure (MNBS) and the thin hydrophobic paraffinic wax layer covered on the surface. Second, based on classic capillary and wicking theory, the buoyancy performance of the kapok fiber aggregates can be modeled and we demonstrate that their buoyancy performance is actually determined by the superhydrophobicity of individual kapok fibers. Our results also suggest an optimized density ∼0.015 g cm−3 for using kapok fiber aggregates as the lightest natural buoyancy.

Highlights► Superhydrophobicity determines the buoyancy performance of natural kapok fibers. ► The superhydrophobicity of individual kapok fibers was investigated. ► We modeled the buoyancy performance of the fiber aggregates by looking into their superhydrophobicity and density. ► Experimental buoyancy performance of kapok fiber aggregates was carried out. ► A good agreement between our theoretical analysis and experimental observations was found.