US Patent 7419615 Renewable superhydrophobic coating

A method of forming a superhydrophobic material (66) includes mixing a hydrophobic material (24) with soluble particles (26) to form a mixture (32). The mixture (32) is cured. A portion of the soluble particles (26) is etched away from the mixture (32) to form the superhydrophobic material (66). A superhydrophobic material forming system (10) includes a mixer (30) that mixes a hydrophobic binder (24) with soluble particles (26) to form the mixture (32). A curing station (16) cures the mixture (32). An applicator (69) applies a solvent (68) to the mixture (32) to etch away a portion of the soluble particles (26) from the mixture (32) to form the superhydrophobic material (66).