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Biomimicry: The Effects of the Lotus Effect in Designing Nanoscale Surfaces in Products

CSEF · 2012 Physics & Astronomy

Azra Azvar, Breanna R. Jones, Samantha Martinez · Taft (William Howard) High School, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals We wondered if nanoscaled surfaced coat would benefit in design is we destructively tested plants exhibiting hydrophobic tendencies (e.g. the lotus effect). Methods/Materials A water/stain material resistant nanoscale surface engineered lab coat and several plants exhibiting the lotus effect were tested using common household products (i.e. ketchup, milk, ect.). Results We tested several plants exhibiting the same lotus effect as the lab coat to see if this biomimicry could aid scientists and engineers in designing more effective nanoscaled surfaced products. Conclusions/Discussion We found that the nanoscale surfaced lab coat was impervious to most common household substances after one washing. However it appears the motor oil destroyed the lotus effect on the engineered surfaces even after bleaching. We found that our plant surrogates effectively predicted this shortcoming.

Summary statement

Biomimicry can be effectively used to design products.

Help received

Mr. Gaughen's Nanotechnology A class taught us the basics of nanoscience; Adopted 'Lotus Effect' protocol in National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA); 'Nanoscale Science' (2007) pages 61-76.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2012 Physics & Astronomy · Entry S1802

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