Patent attributes
Porous solid members are provided that include, disposed on at least a portion of the internal surfaces of a plurality of channels thereof, a plurality of superhydrophobic particles. These particles inhibit ingress of water or other aqueous fluids into the internal spaces of the porous solid member, reducing the occurrence of corrosion, biological growth, or other unwanted effects of fluids present in the internal spaces. The porous solid member could be fabricated using 3D printing methods, e.g., the member could be a 3D printed aluminum or other metal(s). The plurality of superhydrophobic particles can be disposed on the internal surfaces of the channels within the porous solid member via a number of processes, e.g., by delivering the particles into the channels while disposed in a payload fluid that later evaporates.