Abstract: A body for an acoustic resonance fluid flow speed sensor or an acoustic resonance fluid flow sensor comprising such a body, the body comprising a reflector surface with at least one section that is more hydrophilic than a surrounding section of the reflector surface to promote movement of water from a centre toward an edge of the reflector surface.

Abstract: A method for solidifying a polar substance, in particular water, is presented which comprises the steps of: providing a coolable, hydrophobic, preferably super-hydrophobic, condensation surface within an interior of a container; partially filling the container with a polar substance, preferably in liquid form, and an immiscible additive, preferably in liquid form, so that the condensation surface remains at least partially unsubmerged; cooling the hydrophobic condensation surface to a temperature Tcond below a solidification temperature Tsolid of the polar substance; and removing solidified polar substance from the container.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for forming a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material, the composition comprising a polyol component having at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule on average; an isocyanate component having at least two isocyanate groups per molecule on average; a single population of nanoparticles having a particle size less than 1 pm; and a solvent; wherein the population of nanoparticles represents at least 5 wt. % of the total of the polyol component, isocyanate component, and population of nanoparticles. The invention also provides hydrophobic or superhydrophobic materials formed from the compositions of the invention, and methods or kits for forming such materials.

Abstract: A body for an acoustic resonance fluid flow speed sensor or an acoustic resonance fluid flow sensor comprising such a body, the body comprising a reflector surface with at least one section that is more hydrophilic than a surrounding section of the reflector surface to promote movement of water from a centre toward an edge of the reflector surface.

Abstract: A method for solidifying a polar substance, in particular water, is presented which comprises the steps of: providing a coolable, hydrophobic, preferably super-hydrophobic, condensation surface within an interior of a container; partially filling the container with a polar substance, preferably in liquid form, and an immiscible additive, preferably in liquid form, so that the condensation surface remains at least partially unsubmerged; cooling the hydrophobic condensation surface to a temperature Tcond below a solidification temperature Tsolid of the polar substance; and removing solidified polar substance from the container.