Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an advanced hydrophobic coating that they claim is able to repel any type of liquid known to man. In fact, the coating is actually referred to as being superomniphobic since hydrophobic coatings can still let certain liquids pass through a given material given its makeup or the conditions.
But the new superomniphobic coating — composed of an electrospun cross-linked fibre mesh — prevents all liquids, whether they have high or low surface tensions, from passing through at any angle. The research certainly makes for jaw-dropping demonstrations, but it could also lead to advanced coatings for truly waterproof electronics, or fabrics and clothing that you may never have to wash or worry about spilling on. That right there is real innovation people. [Journal of the American Chemical Society via Popular Science]