The Lotus Effect
Michael Plishka — November 25, 2008 — Eco
References: newscientist
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.
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.
Trend Themes
1. Hyper-waterproof Fabrics - Opportunity for the development of innovative waterproof materials for various applications.
2. Self-cleaning Materials - Potential for the creation of self-cleaning surfaces in various industries.
3. Low Drag Swim Suits - Disruptive innovation opportunity for the swimwear industry with the development of low drag fabrics.
Industry Implications
1. Textile Industry - Innovation potential for manufacturers to create hyper-waterproof fabrics.
2. Cleaning Industry - Opportunity to develop self-cleaning materials for cleaning products and surfaces.
3. Sports Apparel Industry - Potential for swimwear companies to create low drag swim suits using advanced fabric technology.
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