The role of hydrogen gas bubble in hydrophobic properties in mixed micro layer (Al2O3+Mg)

Abstract

Purpose: To find out more about the role of hydrogen gas bubbles in improving the hydrophobic nature of a layer, especially in the layers of microparticles Alumina (Al2O3) with Magnesium (Mg). Design/methodology/approach: The method used is an experimental method by first conducting the SEM-Edx test, testing the content of the elements in the waxy layer and observing the topographic shape on the surface of the taro leaves. Then prepare a mixture of Alumina micro particles with Magnesium to investigate the hydrophobicity of the taro leaves. The mixed presentations between Alumina and Magnesium are: (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100%). Findings: The results of this study found three conditions of the Alumina and Magnesium mix layer when in contact with a droplet, namely: Hydrophobic conditions occur when the surface structure of the rough mixed micro layer forms micro crevices, then bubbles of hydrogen gas fill it to form trapped gases. When droplets come in contact with the surface of the mixed layer the effect of the gas being trapped is very effective at creating hydrophobic properties. While the transition conditions occur when more and more hydrogen gas bubbles along with the increasing percentage of Mg and the opposite occurs in micro particle fissures. Bubbles fill the micro-gap space fully so that the tops of the micro particles are covered by bubbles. This causes the droplet surface tension to weaken, so the droplet contact angle decreases. Furthermore, hydrophilic conditions occur when the micro gap is getting narrower as the percentage of Mg increases and the formation of hydrogen gas bubbles increases. The high level of bubble density in the micro gap closes the peaks of the micro particles, which results in the surface tension of the droplet getting weaker. In this weak surface tension condition, the hydrogen bubble can break through the droplet surface tension and change its hydrophobic nature to hydrophilic. Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to the hydrophobicity of Alumina and Magnesium materials, mainly to investigate the role of hydrogen gas in supporting the hydrophobic nature of taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta). Practical implications: The practical implication in this study is the use of hydrophobic membranes which are widely applied to filtration. Originality/value: Discovered the composition of a membrane mixture of Alumina (Al2O3) and Magnesium (Mg) to create hydrophilic and hydrophobic conditions.