Photo from open sources
American scientists (University of Rochester) have created an unusual technology for processing metal surfaces. After processing a femtosecond laser is difficult to hold metal under water.
Scientists have paid attention to how silver spiders can stay under water for a long time, while literally hanging air bubbles. They also drew attention to the fiery ants who are uniting in groups and capturing with their bodies air held on the surface of the water. Observation Data inspired researchers to create unsinkable materials.
As a result of laser processing, tiny structures are created, which are able to retain air when the material is immersed in water. At the moment of immersion of a metal object, an air bubble striving to push it to the surface.
Researchers believe that the most complex designs with hydrophobic surface able to hold large volumes air. This can be useful in creating massive floating devices, for example, in the construction of “unsinkable” ships. It sounds very fantastic, especially if you imagine when all in the ship’s holes, surprisingly continues to be on water surface.
Inventors were able to solve the main problem of modern hydrophobic coatings – a quick loss of water repellent properties. They created a structure of two connected metal plates, laser treated only from the inside. Thereafter the construction was able to stay under water for two months without losing swimming properties.
Scientists assume that instead of aluminum, you can use another metal or material. In the process of hydrophobic formation surface laser speed is only 2.5 square centimeters per hour, however this problem can be solved by more powerful with a laser.
Earlier, Chinese scientists developed an alloy that “devours” other metals to move.
Andrey Vetrov
Water Lasers
