A Material for Waterproof Surfaces

Scientists have created a new low-cost, non-toxic material that mimics the lotus leaf to repel water droplets, an advance that can help create eco-friendly waterproof surfaces. The super-hydrophobic nano-material can be applied in a variety of surfaces via spray or spin-coating. The hydrocarbon –based material may be a green replacement for costly, hazardous fluorocarbons commonly used for super –hydrophobic applications, said the leader of this project.

In our material, there is a micro structure created by the agglomeration of alumina nano-particles mimicking the papillae and hyper carbon organic moieties simulating the effects of the epicuticular waxes, explained the scientists. The lotus lkeaf was very much on our mind as we tried to mimc one of the most hydrophobic or water-repelling surfaces on the planet, he added.