Liquid-diverting panel assemblies

An aircraft comprising:

• an internal cabin;
• and
• at least one component within the internal cabin, wherein the at least one component comprises a panel assembly, wherein the panel assembly comprises:
• at least one liquid flow path formed on at least one surface through surface treatment,
• wherein the surface treatment includes a superficial foamed portion on the at least one surface,
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path is formed in relation to at least one bank on the at least one surface, and
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path is configured to divert liquid to a desired location.

A panel assembly, comprising:

• a first ply;
• a second ply, wherein one or both of the first ply or the second ply comprises at least one surface;
• insulation secured to the second ply;
• and
• at least one liquid flow path formed on the at least one surface through surface treatment,
• wherein the surface treatment includes one or more of a printed portion on the at least one surface, a chemically etched portion on the at least one surface, or a superficial foamed portion on the at least one surface,
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path has a first wettability associated with a first surface energy, wherein the at least one bank has a second wettability associated with a second surface energy, wherein the first wettability differs from the second wettability, and wherein the first wettability provides increased liquid flow compared to the second wettability,
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path is formed in relation to at least one bank on the at least one surface,
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path is configured to divert liquid to a desired location,
• wherein the at least one liquid flow path comprises a flow-directing network including a plurality of interconnected flow director elements,
• wherein one or more of the plurality of interconnected flow director elements comprises:
• a central stem;
• a first lateral branch connected to the central stem;
• and
• a second lateral branch connected to the central stem, wherein the first lateral branch is a mirror image of the second lateral branch, wherein the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch comprise:
• an upper channel that angles towards the central stem;
• an inwardly-curved channel connected to the upper channel;
• and
• an outwardly-curved channel connected to the inwardly-curved channel and a lower portion of the central stem.