Researchers from Harvard University (USA) have designeda material that can become transparent and adjust its wettability characteristics accordingly. As explained by its creators inNature Materials, the invention is inspired by tears, where individual liquids come together and form a layer over the eyes with multiple functions such as moistening, preventing the entry of dust and protecting.
A) Yes,the new material consists of a liquid film that covers and is infused into an elastic porous substrate, which is what makes it so versatile. Any deformation of the substrate, such as stretching or swelling, changes the size of the pores, allowing the surface of the liquid to change its shape. In this sense, the main author of the work, Joanna Aizenberg, stressed that “the good thing about this system is that it is adaptable and multifunctional”.
At rest, the material is smooth, clear and flat. And when drops of water, oil or blood fall on its surface, they drain easily. On the other hand, if the surface is stretched it becomes rougher and the material becomes slightly more opaque.
Regarding the applications, the researcher explained that it could be used intent coveras the material would block light on a dry sunny day and become transparent and water repellent on a dark rainy day as well ashigh precision contact lensesself-adjusting and self-cleaning without taking them off. In the same way, used in pipes, the material would be able to optimize the flow velocity depending on the volume of fluid that circulates through them and the external environmental conditions.
