Hu, Hsuan-Ming S., Watson, Jolanta A., Cribb, Bronwen W., and Watson, Gregory S. (2011) Multi-functional insect cuticles: informative designs for man-made surfaces. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 59. pp. 1370-1374.

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Abstract

Biomimicry has many potential benefits as many technologies found in nature are superior to their man-made counterparts. As technological device components approach the micro and nanoscale, surface properties such as surface adhesion and friction may need to be taken into account. Lowering surface adhesion by manipulating chemistry alone might no longer be sufficient for such components and thus physical manipulation may be required. Adhesion reduction is only one of the many surface functions displayed by micro/nano-structured cuticles of insects. Here, we present a mini review of our understanding of insect cuticle structures and the relationship between the structure dimensions and the corresponding functional mechanisms. It may be possible to introduce additional properties to material surfaces (indeed multi-functional properties) based on the design of natural surfaces.

Item ID:	21534
Item Type:	Article (Scholarly Work)
ISSN:	2010-3778
Keywords:	biomimicry, micro/nanostructures, self-cleaning surfaces, superhydrophobicity
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	19 Apr 2012 03:16
FoR Codes:	02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 25% 03 CHEMICAL SCIENCES > 0399 Other Chemical Sciences > 039999 Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 25% 02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029901 Biological Physics @ 50%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 30% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970103 Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences @ 30% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 40%
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