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The lotus effect (lotus effect): Functionality, application and examples explained

The lotus effect, also known as the lotus effect, has been the focus of science and technology since its discovery.
This fascinating effect, which is inspired by nature, has found wide-ranging applications in various industries and in the home. But what exactly is the lotus effect and how does it work? This article sheds light on how the lotus effect works, how it is used and examples to provide a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.

Table of contents

What is the lotus effect?

Explanation of the lotus effect

The lotus effect shows how lotus leaves always stay clean thanks to their special surface. These leaves have tiny, water-repellent protrusions that cause water and dirt to simply roll off. When raindrops fall on a lotus leaf, they pick up dirt and grime as they roll off. This natural self-cleaning is made possible by the special, slippery and water-repellent nature of the leaf surface and is known as the lotus effect.

This principle has significantly influenced the development of our products at Versiegelung24.com. We use similar technologies to develop sealants and impregnations that effectively repel water and dirt. Our sealants not only improve the cleanliness, but also the durability of treated surfaces such as car paints, glass and ceramics. This reduces the cleaning effort and maintenance intervals, which saves time and money. This makes our products particularly valuable for sectors such as the automotive and textile industries, where durability and easy maintenance are decisive advantages.

Discovery and research into the lotus effect

In the late 1970s, Wilhelm Barthlott and his team at the University of Bonn discovered the self-cleaning properties of lotus leaves. Their studies showed that the micrometer-high, water-repellent nubs on the leaves are decisive for this effect. These findings inspired further research worldwide and led to the development of technologies that mimic this natural self-cleaning mechanism.

Biological principles of the lotus effect

The lotus leaves are covered with tiny nubs that create an extremely water-repellent surface. These nubs, combined with a wax-like layer, allow water to roll off easily and take dirt with it. This results in a very high contact angle, which makes it easier for the water droplets to roll off and effectively cleans the blades.

Structure and texture of the lotus-like surface of our nano sealants

The surface, which imitates the lotus effect, is characterized by a highly complex structure. This consists of tiny nubs that are only a few micrometers high and are also covered by finer structures. Such a design minimizes the contact area between the surface and water droplets, which greatly reduces adhesion. The hydrophobic properties of these surfaces allow water to roll off easily. Interestingly, this effect is not only present in the lotus flower, but also in other plants such as the reed and the nasturtium, which underlines the ubiquity of the lotus effect in nature.

Adhesive forces and surface tension in relation to the lotus effect

The lotus effect is based on the fine balance between adhesive forces and surface tension. The microscopic nubs on the surface ensure that water droplets only have minimal contact surfaces, which weakens the adhesive forces. The natural surface tension of the water means that the drops retain an almost perfect spherical shape and can roll off the surface easily. This combination leads to effective self-cleaning thanks to the simple beading effect of water and dirt.

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How is the lotus effect used?

Application of the lotus effect with nano sealants on surfaces

Through the use of nanotechnology we can artificially reproduce the lotus effect on surfaces. Special nano sealants, which create a microscopic structure similar to that of lotus leaves, produce a water, oil and dirt-repellent surface. These finely structured coatings create a resistant surface at the molecular level that minimizes the adhesion of dirt and water and oil (or grease), thereby promoting the beading of liquid droplets. This self-cleaning effect reduces the need for water and chemical cleaning agents, which is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.

Examples of the use of the lotus effect in products

The lotus effect is used in all sealing products to facilitate cleaningsimplify cleaning and extend the durability of materials. In the automotive industry, for example, nanotechnology coatings lead to self-cleaning car paints that actively repel water and dirt. In the textile sector, appropriate treatments enable the production of water and dirt-repellent clothing. Nano sealants are also used in the construction industry to make roofs and facades more resistant to environmental influences and easier to clean. In the sanitary sector, such coatings help to prevent the build-up of limescale and dirt on ceramic surfaces, which improves cleanliness and hygiene.

How can we use the lotus effect in everyday life?

Lotus effect in household and cleaning technology

The lotus effect is also revolutionizing household and cleaning technology. Products and appliances that utilize this effect reduce the need for cleaning agents by creating surfaces from which water and dirt simply roll off. When used in kitchens and bathrooms, surfaces can be coated in such a way that they are self-cleaning, which not only saves resources but also makes cleaning easier. However, complete self-cleaning depends on the specific conditions. For example, mirrors treated with the lotus effect remain free from splash water and shower cubicles hardly show any limescale stains.

Lotus effect in the industry

Nanotechnology, defined by the science and technology of materials in the order of one nanometre (one billionth of a metre), is revolutionizing numerous branches of industry. Whether nautical, military, manufacturing and many more, the areas of application for our sealants are versatile. Detailed information on which industries benefit from our sealants can be found here.

Environmentally friendly innovations through the application of the lotus effect

The ecological benefits of the lotus effect should not be underestimated. By reducing the consumption of water and chemicals, lotus effect-based products help to protect the environment. The sealants reduce the need for frequent maintenance and cleaning, which not only saves costs but also reduces the environmental impact. Such sustainable innovations demonstrate the potential of the lotus effect to contribute to the achievement of global sustainability goals.

Frequently asked questions

What is glass sealing and how does it work?

The lotus effect, also known as the lotus effect, describes the ability of the lotus plant to clean its own leaf surfaces thanks to a special surface structure. This structure consists of microscopically small wax crystals that prevent the adhesion of dirt particles and allow water to roll off in such a way that it simply removes any dirt. The surface tension of the liquid and the tiny elevations on the leaf surface, which are only 10 to 20 micrometers apart, play a decisive role in this.

Why should I treat my shower with a glass sealant?

The lotus effect is a prime example in bionics, a field of research that copies solutions from nature and uses them for technical applications. Researchers such as the botanist Wilhelm Barthlott have recognized that this self-cleaning mechanism can also be useful for man-made surfaces, for example in the design of self-cleaning facade paints or in the development of water-repellent textiles.

Does the coating make it easier to remove dirt from the surface of the glass?

Basically, the lotus effect imitates a natural process and is therefore not harmful from an ecological point of view. However, environmentally harmful substances may be used in the manufacture of products that use the lotus effect. The real danger is therefore not the effect itself, but the way in which people use it and the materials that are used.

Is the beading behavior influenced by a coating from the factory?

Lotus flowers are known to thrive in muddy waters, which seems paradoxical at first glance. However, the ability to self-clean their leaves allows them to photosynthesize effectively even in polluted waters. As dirt and mud roll off the leaf surfaces, the plants can capture more light and grow better.

Can I also use the glass sealant on my spectacle lenses?

The surface structure plays a decisive role in the lotus effect. The epidermis of the lotus leaf is covered with a multitude of tiny wax crystals that are only 10 to 15 micrometers apart. This structure not only increases the surface tension of the water, but also ensures that dirt particles do not stick and can easily be carried away by the next drop of water.

Does the coating protect against fingerprints on the glass surface?

The lotus effect shows us how plants develop evolutionary strategies to survive and thrive in their environment. The lotus plant’s ability to self-purify is particularly valuable as it grows in muddy waters. This adaptation enables it to photosynthesize efficiently and thus generate energy, which is a fascinating example of the adaptability of plants to their environment.

Is the glass coating a ceramic sealant?

Although the lotus effect is already being used in some areas of application, research in this field is far from complete. Scientists like Wilhelm Barthlott and his colleagues are continuously working on further researching and improving the applications. This includes the development of materials that are even more effective and longer-lasting, as well as potentially new areas of application in medical technology or electronics.

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Our team of experts can not only help you choose the right products, but also give you practical tips on how to use them. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help or have any questions. We look forward to your inquiry!