Film title: The lotus effect
For an astronaut, dust can be a real problem.
Space dust is very rough and can cut through space suits or damage equipment.
But the solution to this extraterrestrial problem might be found back on Earth...
The lotus plant.
The Lotus Plant
Its leaves may look the same as many other plants but they have a very special property...
They never get coated in dust, or dirt, or even in water they seem to repel these substances.
At first glance a lotus leaf may look very smooth, but here's what it looks like under a powerful microscope.
The surface is covered in tiny hairs. These hairs prevent water and dirt from making contact with the leaf and sticking to it.
The lotus plant naturally keeps itself clean ... repelling the dirt and water. It is known as ...ﾘthe lotus effect...
lotus effect
repels dirt and water
Scientists have copied the idea and created a material that has the same repellent property.
This synthetic material can be applied to many different objects.
synthetic material
Here, the tile on the left has been sprayed with this synthetic material.
The dust is repelled by the sprayed tile, but sticks to the one on the right.
sprayed tile
Soon the lotus effect might be used to protect astronauts, rovers and even spacecraft from the dangers of space dust.
Here on Earth, It might be used to keep our clothes clean and dry.
Scientists have unlocked one of nature's secrets and used it to create a synthetic material with remarkable qualities.
Some synthetic materials have been inspired by nature.
Space dust is very rough and can cut through space suits or damage equipment.
But the solution to this extraterrestrial problem might be found back on Earth...
The lotus plant.
The Lotus Plant
Its leaves may look the same as many other plants but they have a very special property...
They never get coated in dust, or dirt, or even in water they seem to repel these substances.
At first glance a lotus leaf may look very smooth, but here's what it looks like under a powerful microscope.
The surface is covered in tiny hairs. These hairs prevent water and dirt from making contact with the leaf and sticking to it.
The lotus plant naturally keeps itself clean ... repelling the dirt and water. It is known as ...ﾘthe lotus effect...
lotus effect
repels dirt and water
Scientists have copied the idea and created a material that has the same repellent property.
This synthetic material can be applied to many different objects.
synthetic material
Here, the tile on the left has been sprayed with this synthetic material.
The dust is repelled by the sprayed tile, but sticks to the one on the right.
sprayed tile
Soon the lotus effect might be used to protect astronauts, rovers and even spacecraft from the dangers of space dust.
Here on Earth, It might be used to keep our clothes clean and dry.
Scientists have unlocked one of nature's secrets and used it to create a synthetic material with remarkable qualities.
Some synthetic materials have been inspired by nature.
How did a plant on Earth inspire high-tech space suits?
Learning points
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