Biomimicry
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Cicada Wings May Inspire New Water-Repellent Surface Materials

Cicada Wings May Inspire New Water-Repellent Surface Materials | Biomimicry | Scoop.it

"Researchers are looking to insects – specifically cicadas – for insight into the design of artificial surfaces with de-icing, self-cleaning and anti-fogging abilities. Their wings allow cicadas to fly, of course, but they also are good at repelling water – a condition that humans can appreciate, too."

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Nanotube Forests Drink Water From Arid Air

Nanotube Forests Drink Water From Arid Air | Biomimicry | Scoop.it

"Researchers in the lab of Rice materials scientist Pulickel Ajayan found a way to mimic the Stenocara beetle, which survives in the desert by stretching its wings to capture and drink water molecules from the early morning fog. They modified carbon nanotube forests grown through a process created at Rice, giving the nanotubes a superhydrophobic (water-repelling) bottom and a hydrophilic (water loving) top. The forest attracts water molecules from the air and, because the sides are naturally hydrophobic, traps them inside."

 

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Biomimicry Approach to Cleaning Future Oil Spills - 'Nanofur' Material is Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic

Biomimicry Approach to Cleaning Future Oil Spills - 'Nanofur' Material is Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic | Biomimicry | Scoop.it

"Some water ferns can absorb large volumes of oil within a short time, because their leaves are strongly water-repellent and, at the same time, highly oil-absorbing. Researchers of KIT, together with colleagues of Bonn University, have found tha the oil-binding capacity of the water plant results from the hairy microstructure of its leaves. It is now used as a model to further develop the new Nanofur material for the environmentally friendly cleanup of oil spills."

Marcelo Errera's curator insight, September 2, 2016 7:19 PM
That is a very interesting breakthrough. Let's see the applications that will emerge.