KAIST researchers develop ultra-thin coating to improve heat exchange

Researchers at KAIST have developed a way to control the condensation process using a coating thousands of times thinner than a human hair. This innovation aims to solve the issue of water films hindering heat exchange in industrial processes.

In typical heat exchangers, water often forms a continuous layer on metal surfaces, which acts as an insulator and reduces cooling efficiency. By applying an ultra-thin fluorinated polymer (pPFDMA) to copper surfaces, the team achieved droplet condensation. The coating creates tiny semi-crystalline aggregates that facilitate the formation and rapid shedding of water droplets, potentially increasing heat transfer efficiency by approximately three times.