Beetle Scales Inspire Ultra-White Material

Mar-14-18 The scales of a beetle have inspired an eco-friendly, edible, ultra-white material.

Developed by a team from the University of Cambridge, the material was inspired by the structure of the Cyphochilus beetle scales, which use the chitin molecule to scatter light. By mimicking the structure of the scales using cellulose nanofibrils, the team was able to adjust the opacity and whiteness of the final product, with the material moving from transparent to opaque depending on the thickness of the fibers uses.

According to the team, the membranes can scatter light up to thirty times more efficiently than paper, offering a new way to create sustainable and biocompatible white materials.

More Info about this Invention:

[CO.UK]
[SCIENCEDAILY.COM]

---