Inspired By Thorns, A More Robust Waterproof Material.

Although thorns can help prevent predators, it will not be waterproof. Nevertheless, scientists have now duplicated its structure to create a more powerful waterproofing material than before. Many superhydrophobic materials we have seen contain a thin needle like structure that extends vertically from the surface, which does not move the droplet down to that surface.

Unfortunately, these microneedles are usually very fragile. Eventually, when the material is bent or twisted, or when it scrapes along the hard surface, they will break. However, the larger thorns on the thorns are very flexible and therefore difficult to damage.

With this in mind, researchers at the Japan National Institute of materials began to replicate them on a smaller scale. They first made tiny needle like structures from Zinc Oxide, and then added silicone polymers to enhance elasticity.

The resulting material consists of an elastic needle matrix which not only has a surface coating - but also has high hydrophobicity (water repellency). In addition, it even maintains high quality even after bending and wear for more than 1000 times.

More importantly, because this material is very flexible and flexible, it also claims that it can prevent impact and deformation. Scientists believe that it can be applied to other materials as well as to form a hydrophobic object.

Research papers led by Yoshihiro Yamauchi and Masanobu Naito were recently published in the Journal ACS applied materials and interfaces.