TITLE Method of Imparting Nanoscopic Topography to Materials PRIMARY INVENTORS Thomas J. McCarthy, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION This is a new method to impart water repellency to material surfaces by introducing nanoscopic (tens-of-nanometer) length scale topography to solid or fibrous objects that are smoother (have no topographic features) than this length scale.  The object is treated with solutions of an organosilicon halide or mixtures of organosilicone halides and subsequently treated with a non-solvent for the resulting attached polymer, extracting the organic solvent and causing phase separation at the nanoscopic length scale.  The results are a nearly hydrophobic surface (i.e. totally water repellent).    It may have further implications beyond water repellency such as non-reflective coatings.  APPLICATIONS It is applicable to many materials, organic or inorganic, of all shapes and sizes, where water repellency is of importance or desirable. ADVANTAGES The method is very simple and straightforward, and can be applied to smooth surfaces over large areas PATENT STATUS Patent Process Initiated LICENSING STATUS Available for licensing or research collaboration DOCKET UMA 06-08 NOTES FOR MORE INFORMATION Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property phone: 413-545-3606 fax: 413-545-3632 e-mail: cvip@research.umass.edu