Abstract: Engineered surfaces, such as surfaces having nano- and/or micro-scale features, may provide an enhanced flow boiling Critical Heat Flux (CHF) at ambient or higher pressures, which may enhance cooling. Enhancing flow boiling CHF may be desirable for nuclear reactors, where heat is generated by a heater such as a nuclear reactor core. Enhanced flow boiling CHF may provide larger safety margins and/or better economics of nuclear reactors, for example, because reactor power rating may be increased as cooling is enhanced.

Abstract: Articles and methods related to superhydrophobic surfaces are generally described. In some embodiments, an article may include a substrate and a plurality of nanoscale and/or microscale features may be formed on a surface of the substrate by irradiating the substrate. The plurality of nanoscale and/or microscale features may comprise oxides and/or hydroxides on the surface of the substrate. A fluorinated coating may be associated with at least a portion of the surface of the substrate, including, for example, the nanoscale and/or microscale features may be coated with the fluorinated coating.