Research

A team of four LiNaBioFLuid members received the International Bionic Award of the Schauenburg Foundation

In the project LiNaBioFluid surface structures found on the integument of moisture-harvesting lizards are mimicked to obtain similar wetting properties on technical surfaces. The images (b) and (d) show first results of the laser structuring process in comparison to the natural model ((a), (c)). The spike topography (b) is fabricated by laser-induced self-organization whereas the capillary network with the superimposed micro-dimple array is manufactured by direct laser ablation.

(a) SEM image of the integument of Yarrow‘s spiky lizard Sceloporus jarovii. (b) Laser-induced self-organized nanostructures mimic the topography of (a). (c) SEM image of the integument of the moisture-harvesting lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos. (d) Capillary structures with superimposed micro-dimple array manufactured by direct laser ablation mimic the topography of (c). The inset highlights the micro-dimples inside the capillaries.