The lotus leaf, this seemingly ordinary aquatic plant, has an amazing property. When water drops onto the lotus leaves, they will not get soaked as we imagined, but will slide down. Why is that? Let's explore the mystery.
First, let's start with the surface structure of lotus leaves. Through microscopic observation, scientists found that the surface of the lotus leaf is not smooth and flat, but there are countless tiny papillae structures. These papillae are usually only about 10 microns in size, and the spacing between them is about 20 microns. These papillae resemble small hills on the surface of the lotus leaf, giving the surface of the lotus leaf a unique uneven shape.
So, how do these papillae structure affect the behavior of water droplets on the lotus leaf? When the water droplets fall on the lotus leaf, they come into contact with these papillae. Due to the gaps and protrusions between the papillae, the water droplets are not in full contact with the surface of the lotus leaf, but are held up by multiple papillae. This creates an interesting phenomenon: the water droplets on the lotus leaf are not adsorbed, but are lifted and rolled with the surface tension of the lotus leaf.
Over time, the water droplets will carry away dust and dirt from the surface of the lotus leaf as they roll. This is because the water droplets have a very small contact area with the surface of the lotus leaf, so they are able to easily carry away these impurities. That's why the lotus leaf is able to keep its surface clean at all times.
This self-cleaning property is not just found on lotus leaves. In fact, many other plants have a similar surface structure. These plants adapt to their environment and protect themselves by evolving and developing unique surface structures. This property is also widely used in real life.
For example, in the field of construction, waterproofing coatings have been developed using the lotus leaf effect. By mimicking the structure of the lotus leaf surface, these coatings allow buildings to effectively prevent moisture penetration and erosion. In the textile field, stain-repellent and water-repellent fabrics also make use of similar principles. These fabrics are made resistant to the penetration and adhesion of water and stains through a special surface treatment.
In conclusion, the magical properties of lotus leaves make us more in awe and curiosity about the natural world. By studying these natural phenomena, we can take inspiration from them and apply them to real life. Whether it's in construction, textiles, or beyond, we can draw wisdom from nature and create better products and services.