How would you like to be able to wash your car by just hosing it off – no soap, scrubbing or drying? You may be able to in the not-too-distant future, thanks to research being led by a team at University College London. Drawing on earlier research, they’ve developed an ultra-hydrophobic (water-repelling) paint that can be applied to a variety of surfaces, and that stays on once applied.
The active ingredient in the paint is coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles. These cause liquid to bead up and roll off the paint, instead of clinging to it. As those droplets roll across the painted surface, they suck up any dirt, viruses, bacteria or other non-liquid contaminants that are in their path.
via Gizmag
Image: Oli Usher/UCL
