'Bumpy' glass could lead to self-cleaning windows, slick micromachines

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Scanning electron micrograph image of the surface of a lotus leaf
Ohio State University engineers are designing super-slick, water-repellent surfaces that mimic the texture of lotus leaves.
The patent-pending technology could lead to self-cleaning glass, and could also reduce friction between the tiny moving parts inside microdevices.
Scientists have long known that the lotus, or water lily, makes a good model for a water-repellent surface, explained Bharat Bhushan, Ohio Eminent Scholar and the Howard D. Winbigler Professor of mechanical engineering at Ohio State. The leaf is waxy and covered with tiny bumps, so water rolls off.


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