Abstract
Nature has always served as an inspiration for scientists, helping them to solve a large diversity of technical problems. In our case, we are interested in the directional transport of oily liquids and as a model for this application we used the flat bug Dysodius lunatus. In this report, we present arrays of drops looking like polymer microstructures produced by the two-photon polymerization technique that mimic the micro-ornamentation from the bug's cuticle. A good directionality of oil transport was achieved, directly controlled by the direction of the pointed microstructures at the surface. If the tips of the drop-like microstructures are pointing towards the left side, the liquid front moves to the right and vice versa. Similar effects could be expected for the transport of oily lubricants. These results could, therefore, be interesting for applications in friction and wear reduction.
Highlights
The interdisciplinary field of biomimetics has been very successful in solving engineering problems by searching for solutions in nature
A highly efficient liquid retention and manipulation can be obtained by artificial open radial fibre arrays mimicking ripe dandelion seeds [2]
We found that D. lunatus bugs possess caudally oriented micro-ornamentation underneath the wings, around the glands that secrete an oily defensive liquid, as an anti-predator adaptation [14]
Summary
The interdisciplinary field of biomimetics has been very successful in solving engineering problems by searching for solutions in nature. Through the process of evolution many living organisms developed different structural and chemical material properties that assured the continuation of a certain species. Technological challenges dealing with wetting and liquid collection and transportation found solutions in nature. Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces were inspired by lotus leaves [1]. A highly efficient liquid retention and manipulation can be obtained by artificial open radial fibre arrays mimicking ripe dandelion seeds [2].
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