Hydrophobic Butterfly Wings

Function

Morpho butterflies’ wings are hydrophobic (water-repellant) due to small oblong cells and minute needle-like protrusions that cover their surface. The protrusions form a hydrophobic microstructure of ridges that carry water and dirt off of the wings.

Functional Classification

Defense/Stability:
Water repellent

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

"Collins, M. 2004. Design and nature II: comparing design in nature with science and engineering. Southampton: WIT. Waterproof and translucent wings at the same time: problems and solutions in butterflies. Perez Goodwyn P, Maezono Y, Hosoda N, Fujisaki K. Naturwissenschaften. 2009 Mar 26."

Technical Application

Knowledge of hydrophobic wing structure has been used to develop self-cleaning paints, glass, and cloth, among other things.

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The wing structure of Morpho butterflies can be applied to the development of water-repellent roofs and cloth, as well as to the development of containers that prevent food from going bad.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Nature-Tech

Lotus Leaves are Highly Waterproof
The surface of lotus leaves is covered with bumps that are only several microns wide. One out of every several hundred bumps has a small projection attached to it, which helps the leaves repel water and dirt.

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