}

Beetle, an example of whiteness

2007/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

Beetle, an example of whiteness
01/03/2007 | Elhuyar
(Photo: P. University of Vukusic/Exeter)

Beetles are generally dark, but Cyphochilus is white and white. So white, the University of Exeter and Imerys Minerals want to use it as a model to produce fine, bright white materials.

The researcher has fascinated the whiteness of this beetle, especially because it is a very thin layer that gives color to the shell (ten times thinner than a hair). To make a comparison, in industrial coatings, so white color requires a double layer thickness.

As the key to the whiteness of the beetle is on the surface of the shell. Actually, the color is provided by pigments or a regular structure. But whiteness is achieved differently, by random dispersion of colors. The beetle shell, seen by electron microscope, is formed by long and flattened scales, with very random three-dimensional structures.

This structure will serve as an example to achieve softer and thinner coatings.

1.
229
2007
Services
10 months
Biotechnology
News in brief
Security

Gai honi buruzko eduki gehiago

Elhuyarrek garatutako teknologia