Oct 24, 2024
seen from United States
seen from Qatar
seen from Russia
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Germany
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from Spain
seen from Germany
seen from China
seen from Australia
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Germany
Microscopic pancake-like structures keep dirt and oil from sticking to the surface of this self-cleaning glass.
This is one in a series presenting news on technology and innovation, made possible with generous support from the Lemelson Foundation.
Imagine a surface you never had to clean — because it never gets dirty. It stays spotless, resisting dirt and oil. New research finds that the secret to such a long-lasting, scrub-free shine might be microscopic pancakes.
Some self-cleaning surfaces already exist. Stores don’t yet sell these self-cleaning clothes, kitchen utensils and windows, to name a few. But scientists are working on them. Up close, you’d see that microscopic pillars or columns cover the surface of many of these. A material coating those tiny structures repels oil and dirt. The narrow pillar tops also give grime less area to stick. That helps gunk slide off.
But micro-pillars are far from ideal. The tall, thin columns easily bend, snap and topple. Over time, dirt and oil can collect around damaged pillars. That buildup is hard to dislodge without some form of cleaning. And if the surface is glass, those busted pillars cause even more trouble. Bent and broken bits — and stuck gunk — interfere with light passing through the glass. That can blur or distort images viewed through them.
To address these issues, scientists in Norway took a new approach. Instead of pillars, they used shorter, squatter pancake shapes. And so far, those pancakes seem to do the trick. A window tested in the ocean has stayed clean and clear for more than a year.
Scanning electron microscope images show the microscopic “pancakes” on the self-cleaning glass surface. Each pancake is roughly five micronmeters across. That’s about the size of one red blood cell, or one-twentieth the width of a human hair. Credit: Akhtar et al/American Chemical Society (ACS)
“Unlike pillars, water moves freely between our pancake microstructures,” says Bodil Holst. She’s a physicist at the University of Bergen in Norway. With taller pillars, more water molecules get slowed down as they try to pass the structures. Water flows more easily around the shorter structures. Underwater, that liquid flow keeps dirt from sticking. In fact, that provides the self-cleaning, meaning the surface doesn’t need a dirt-repelling coating.
Their stout shape also makes the pancakes more durable. Imagine two pieces of chalk: one long and thin, the other short and flat, Holst says. “It would require a lot more effort to break a short piece of chalk,” she points out. “In the same way, it takes a lot more effort to break microscopic pancakes compared to pillars.”
In her team’s tests, those pancakes have remained firmly in place and in shape. Holst’s group described its findings December 12, 2018, in Nano Letters.
Flexy Fur Foils Fouling
Inspired by a muddy hike with a dog, today's study looks at how fur in a flow can shed dirt and debris. (Image credit: T. Umphreys; research credit: M. Krsmanovic et al.; via APS Physics) Read the full article
Microscopic pancake-like structures keep dirt and oil from sticking to the surface of this self-cleaning glass.
This is one in a series presenting news on technology and innovation, made possible with generous support from the Lemelson Foundation.
Imagine a surface you never had to clean — because it never gets dirty. It stays spotless, resisting dirt and oil. New research finds that the secret to such a long-lasting, scrub-free shine might be microscopic pancakes.
Some self-cleaning surfaces already exist. Stores don’t yet sell these self-cleaning clothes, kitchen utensils and windows, to name a few. But scientists are working on them. Up close, you’d see that microscopic pillars or columns cover the surface of many of these. A material coating those tiny structures repels oil and dirt. The narrow pillar tops also give grime less area to stick. That helps gunk slide off.
But micro-pillars are far from ideal. The tall, thin columns easily bend, snap and topple. Over time, dirt and oil can collect around damaged pillars. That buildup is hard to dislodge without some form of cleaning. And if the surface is glass, those busted pillars cause even more trouble. Bent and broken bits — and stuck gunk — interfere with light passing through the glass. That can blur or distort images viewed through them.
To address these issues, scientists in Norway took a new approach. Instead of pillars, they used shorter, squatter pancake shapes. And so far, those pancakes seem to do the trick. A window tested in the ocean has stayed clean and clear for more than a year.
Scanning electron microscope images show the microscopic “pancakes” on the self-cleaning glass surface. Each pancake is roughly five micronmeters across. That’s about the size of one red blood cell, or one-twentieth the width of a human hair. Credit: Akhtar et al/American Chemical Society (ACS)
“Unlike pillars, water moves freely between our pancake microstructures,” says Bodil Holst. She’s a physicist at the University of Bergen in Norway. With taller pillars, more water molecules get slowed down as they try to pass the structures. Water flows more easily around the shorter structures. Underwater, that liquid flow keeps dirt from sticking. In fact, that provides the self-cleaning, meaning the surface doesn’t need a dirt-repelling coating.
Their stout shape also makes the pancakes more durable. Imagine two pieces of chalk: one long and thin, the other short and flat, Holst says. “It would require a lot more effort to break a short piece of chalk,” she points out. “In the same way, it takes a lot more effort to break microscopic pancakes compared to pillars.”
In her team’s tests, those pancakes have remained firmly in place and in shape. Holst’s group described its findings December 12, 2018, in Nano Letters.
Exploring the Benefits of Meowant's Automatic Cat Litter Box
Hello everyone!
I wanted to share my experience with Meowant's automatic cat litter box, and how it has transformed my life as a cat owner.
First off, the convenience of an automatic litter box is simply unbeatable. No more daily scooping; this innovative product takes care of that for you! It automatically cleans itself after each use, which means I have more time to spend with my furry friend.
Not only does it save time, but it also helps keep my home smelling fresh and clean. The design is sleek and fits perfectly into my living space. Plus, it’s easy to set up and maintain.
What I love most is that my cat took to it right away! The automatic litter box has a quiet operation, which means it doesn’t scare my cat, making the transition smooth and stress-free.
If you’re a cat owner looking for a hassle-free solution, I highly recommend checking out Meowant's automatic cat litter box. It’s a game changer for both you and your feline companion!
Meowant SC02 designed for big cats and multi-pet households, the 75L large cat litter box offers ample room for comfort. Enjoy ultra-quiet s
Discovering Meowant: The Ultimate Self-Cleaning Litter Box!
I recently purchased the Meowant self-cleaning litter box, and I couldn't be happier! It has truly transformed my cat's litter experience. The convenience of a self-cleaning feature means I spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying my furry friend.
The design is sleek and fits perfectly in my home, while my cat seems to love it too! The automated cleaning process keeps the litter fresh and odor-free, making it a win-win for both of us.
If you're looking for a hassle-free solution to litter box management, I highly recommend checking out Meowant. It's a game changer for pet owners!
Make cat care effortless with Meowant self-cleaning cat litter box SC01. Ideal for multi-pet homes, it offers odor control, ultra-quiet oper
Discover the Benefits of Meowant's Automatic Litter Box
As a proud cat owner, I recently explored the amazing features of Meowant's automatic litter box, and I must say, it has transformed my daily routine! This innovative product not only keeps my home cleaner but also ensures that my feline friend has a comfortable and hygienic space.
The design is sleek and modern, fitting seamlessly into my home decor, and the self-cleaning feature saves me time and effort. I love how it automatically sifts through the litter, making it easy to maintain. Plus, the quiet operation means my cat can use it without any disturbances.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution to litter box maintenance, I highly recommend checking out Meowant's automatic litter box. It's a game-changer for both pets and their owners!
Meowant SC02 designed for big cats and multi-pet households, the 75L large cat litter box offers ample room for comfort. Enjoy ultra-quiet s