Water drops do not adhere to the self-cleaning aluminium surface. The latter has been functionalized by a team of “CAMP” scientists using direct laser interference patterning (DLIP).
Credit: Fraunhofer IWS Dresden
Dresden scientists have developed a self-cleaning metallic surface.
A project team of Technische Universität Dresden and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS structured an aluminium plate with a laser process in such a way that water droplets no longer adhere and dirt particles can be removed from the surface – completely without chemical cleaning agents or additional effort. The scientific evidence of the self-cleaning effect has been published in the journal “Applied Surface Science”.
For several years, scientists at TU Dresden and Fraunhofer IWS have been developing functionalised surfaces by means of laser-based manufacturing processes. Now, they have created a periodic surface structure that is not only water and ice repellent, but also remove dirt particles solely by rolling water drops. In this context, they particularly focussed on the material aluminium. “This material is used in many industrial branches – either in the automotive sector, aircraft construction or the food industry. The use of aggressive cleaning chemicals is particularly critical in food industry, as we naturally do not want to bring these chemicals in contact with our food,” emphasises Stephan Milles, PhD student at Technische Universität Dresden. In particular, the Dresden scientists studied the function of self-cleaning laser-structured aluminium. A special camera was used to analyse the self-cleaning effect of the aluminium surfaces and filmed the process at 12,500 frames per second. Thomas Kuntze, scientist in the Microtechnology Technology Field at Fraunhofer IWS, explains: “This way we can perfectly see how a water drop can remove the dirt from the aluminium surface. This method is also suitable for understanding other processes, such as laser cutting and welding or additive manufacturing”.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Self-cleaning surface
- Keeping it simple: low maintenance office interior design
Specialists in commercial interior design and refurbishment, APSS look at simple, low maintenance ways to improve your office environment.
- Window cleaning - it's not just about windows
Ann Laffeaty looks at the widening scope of the window cleaning industry and finds out how companies are tackling today’s more specialist tasks. THE REMIT OF THE window cleaner should be fairly ...
- The 11 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2022
We’ve assembled a list of some of the best vacuums out there, in our experience and in the experience of a number of reviewers.
- A novel window into ‘smart’ glass
From fixing bones to making antibacterial surfaces, Michael Allen investigates glass that has additional functionality and performance ...
- Eufy by Anker to launch India’s first self-cleaning Vacuum mop by next month
Eufy by Anker, known for its smart cleaning solutions, announced its plans to strengthen the range of robotic vacuum cleaners in India. The company shall launch WetVac W31, India’s first self-cleaning ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Self-cleaning surface
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Self-cleaning effect
- Can This TikTok Massage Gun Hack Help Clean Your Car?
A day at the beach can mean a lifetime of sand in your car. The latest TikTok cleaning hack claims to solve this problem. Does it?
- Bengal Cabinet reshuffle: Abhishek effect tells on ministry
Abhishek, the Trinamul national general secretary who had been pushing for years to get the old guard phased out of positions of clout, tweeted in the evening: “Heartiest congratulations to all newly ...
- The Importance of Eating Clean As An Entrepreneur
A few weeks ago, I had a really great opportunity to be a guest at Vince Warnock’s podcast called “Chasing the Insights”, in which we talked about the importance of eating whole clean food as an ...
- Window cleaning - it's not just about windows
Ann Laffeaty looks at the widening scope of the window cleaning industry and finds out how companies are tackling today’s more specialist tasks. THE REMIT OF THE window cleaner should be fairly ...
- The Best Natural Cleaning Products That Actually Work
Previously, we’ve written about ways to go entirely plastic-free in the bathroom, and natural cleaning products can also help make your everyday habits more eco-friendly. The best natural cleaning ...