Functions & Applications

There are many examples of functional nano-patterned surfaces in nature. Plants such as lotus or roses exhibit very small features of tens of micrometers down to tens of nanometers on their leaves or flowers. These patterns, combined with the chemical properties of their surfaces, generate the famous superhydrophobic and self-cleaning “lotus effect”. In the animal kingdom, chitin is often textured to reflect specific colors as for the Morpho butterfly. The colors of opals are also derived from nanoscale texturing.

SILSEF patterns materials at the micro and nano scale to mimic nature and add surface properties to a large range of manufactured goods.