A group of scientists from the ITV Denkendorf headedup by Dr. Thomas Stegmaier have developed a fabric whose surface remains dryunder water. A thin layer of air surrounds the textile and keeps it dry.
Natures toolbox provided inspiration for the development ofthis fabric. In nature, surfaces which remain dry when immersed in water arerelatively commonplace. Organisms like Ancylometes bogotensis (fishing spider)or Aphelocheirus aestivalis (stream-dwelling bug), two water insects which liveon/under the water, possess this useful effect. Underwater, the insects aresurrounded by a silvery layer of air and are completely dry when they return tothe water surface. The functional principle is based on a hairy surfacestructure. Ancylometes bogotensis has numerous short, curled hairs, whosehook-like structures remain bent over the air layer, keeping it in place evenwhen surrounded by water.
Inspired by nature, the bionics research group initiated aseries of tests with different textile surface structures. The scientists ideawas not simply to copy the animal surfaces, but to transfer the decoded basic principles from nature to technical products.
The broad knowledge in fibre and structure technologyavailable at the ITV Denkendorf was extremely helpful in the search for theoptimal structure. The team of scientists was finally able to come up with afabric that forms a layer of air on its surface, which surrounds the textileand keeps it dry. The surface has a dense, bouffant, hairy and elasticstructure. The specific arrangement and bent design of the filaments is able tocapture the tiniest air bubbles, exactly like nature.
The flexibility of the filaments can withstand somemechanical stress caused, for example, through current movements, so that thelayer of air also remains intact during movement. Underwater, this layer of airshines silvery in the same way as animal surfaces immersed in water do. Toenhance this effect, the manufactured fabric is also highly water repellent.
A look into the future
The first prototype is still too stiff to be used as swimwear. However, the team of scientists is working hard to develop more flexible structures. Tests with different fabric structures also include tests on knitted fabrics - used for trendy swimwear. At the same time, the scientists aim is to optimise the ability to conserve the layer of air even in the case of vigorous movement. The first prototype would not be strong enough for an active swimmer.
The basic principle provides ideas for further product ideas. In contrast to
the initial design, future developments will focus on significantly reducing
the friction which is caused by the layer of air. Shipbuilding, for instance,
could be a suitable area of application. In this case, the minimisation of
friction could considerably reduce the consumption of fuel. The question
relating to the regeneration of such systems still needs to be solved. Perhaps
natures toolbox might also provide an answer to this question.
Source: ITV Denkendorf
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