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Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an advanced hydrophobic coating that they claim is able to repel any type of liquid known to man. In fact, the coating is actually referred to as being superomniphobic since hydrophobic coatings can still let certain liquids pass through a given material given its makeup or the conditions.
But the new superomniphobic coating—composed of an electrospun cross-linked fibre mesh—prevents all liquids, whether they have high or low surface tensions, from passing through at any angle. The research certainly makes for jaw-dropping demonstrations, but it could also lead to advanced coatings for truly waterproof electronics, or fabrics and clothing that you may never have to wash or worry about spilling on. That, right there, is real innovation people. [Journal of the American Chemical Society via Popular Science]
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044876/
Superhydrophobic materials have been around for a few years in various R&D labs and phases, here’s a vid from last summer of a finished product ready for commercial sale. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7is6r6zXFDc
I remember reading about NeverWet. What happened to it? I guess someone made them an offer to incorporate it into a manufacturing process, and that’s the last we’ll see of it as a stand alone product. Shame I have a coat that I’d love to spray that stuff onto. Sell me a can why don’t ya?
http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2011/11/watch-this-superhydrophobic-coating-repel-chocolate-syrup-and-save-us-future-embarrassments/
Exactly that.
Please, Giz. This news is as old as the hills. We seen it before. Don’t come back to us until you have a link to a website where we can purchase it for ourselves.
Yep, different science / brand. We do know our shit, believe it or not.
Not quite – NeverWet was a spray on coating in a can, this is a different polymer sprayed onto a copper mesh, the idea being that while hydrophobic coatings will let some liquids through, this is ‘omniphobic’ in that nothing will pass.
Trademark “Gandalf”…you shall not pass!
Is this fancy Scotch Guard?