Michael Plishka
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Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a way to mimic the Lotus-Effect and make a hyper-waterproof fabric. A jacket made with this technology and submerged for two months comes out as dry as the day it was submerged. The fabric is a polyester base coated with silicone nanofibers. According to Lead Researcher Stefan Seeger, “The combination of the hydrophobic surface chemistry and the nanostructure of the coating results in the super-hydrophobic effect… The water comes to rest on the top of the nanofilaments like a fakir sitting on a bed of nails.” This material lends itself to self-cleaning materials, low drag swim suits and anything else where keeping dry or trapping micro-pockets of air might be of use.  A similar combination of water-repelling substances and tiny nanostructures is responsible for many natural examples of extreme water resistance, such as the surface of Lotus leaves.
(newscientist)References: newscientist Filed In: |
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