Inspired by nature
Spill-resistant fabric is inspired by nature. It works in the same way as the self-cleaning leaves of the lotus lily.
The leaves of this plant, and the more familiar nasturtium, are covered with waxy crystals only 1 nanometre across. They form a coating that roughens the leaf's nanostructured surface, which causes water droplets to form into beads. As the beads run away, they take dust and dirt with them, leaving the leaves clean and glossy green.
| 
 | back
| forward | Take a closer look at nasturtium leaves - click through the slides to zoom in.
|
|