Coating Separates Dew Drops to Prevent Frost

Jan-27-16 A new coating inspired by the shell of a desert dwelling beetle could help prevent frost from collecting on airplane wings and windshields.

Developed by a team from Virginia Tech, the technology is based on the Namib Desert Beetle’s shell, which features bumps that attract water scattered on the water-repellent shell. (The shell is designed to capture water and channel it to the beetle’s mouth.)

According to the research team, as single frozen dew drop is all that is required to trigger the progression of frost along a surface. The new coating attracts the dew drops to the hydrophilic surface while also spacing them far apart, which prevents the frost from spreading and creates dry zones as they evaporate.

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[NATURE.COM]
[THEENGINEER.CO.UK]

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