A team of graduate students has created a groundbreaking water-repellent surface using an unexpected material: wax candles. This remarkable discovery, known as a superhydrophobic surface, is a testament to the power of ordinary materials to advance scientific breakthroughs. Research by Ashok Thapa, Maheswar Chaudhary, and Professor Shalabh Maroo. Read more about our comprehensive findings here. Find the full findings published in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces, scheduled to be published by 2025.
This superhydrophobic surface has been put through the wringer, demonstrating its toughness against oxidation, heat and cooling cycles, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental conditions. It withstood extreme high-speed water jets, baths of chemicals, and saltwater exposure. Remarkably, it was able to hold this shape even in extreme temperatures up to 650°F! After a month completely underwater, the surface came up completely dry and intact, proving its resilience.
The Science Behind the Surface
The construction of this innovative surface means a fascinating process of combining materials. According to Maheswar Chaudhary, “The magic comes from a clever combination of candle soot with an oil-infused porous silica structure.” That power-packed combination is what makes this the surface that really DOES repel water.
The porous structure is an essential aspect of the surface, making improving bacterial function a high priority. It absorbs the oil, which then traps all of the soot particles. This bimodal textural configuration leads to a superhydrophobic interface that can be effectively manufactured onto complex three-dimensional (3D) shapes, including flat and curved objects.
Chaudhary emphasizes the versatility of this approach by stating, “We have shown this approach to work on both flat and curved surfaces, making it versatile for real-world applications. This isn’t just about repelling water; it’s about creating an easy-to-fabricate coating that truly survives real-world conditions.”
Everyday Materials Inspire Innovation
Professor Shalabh Maroo sees this finding as a tribute to the ingenuity which can arise from common materials. He remarked, “Even something as ordinary as a wax candle can inspire groundbreaking ideas.” This point of view really emphasizes the necessity of looking outside traditional assets when we’re searching for answers to tough challenges.
Altogether, Maroo’s insights tell a deeper story within the story about innovation. He’s convinced that breakthroughs don’t always need fancy or costly components. Rather, as the evolution of this superhydrophobic surface shows, it is often the most humble materials that inspire the greatest innovations.
Future Applications and Significance
Hydrophobicity is not where the implications of this research stop. The potential to produce a highly durable, highly effective coating from widely available ingredients would be a gamechanger across several industries. Further uses could be in protective coatings for electronics, textiles and other surfaces vulnerable to water exposure.
As the research has started circulating, find the full published findings here DOI 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.107450. It was this discovery that I first read about on phys.org on September 29, 2025. It will have a profound impact on future efforts in material science.