Moth eyes suggest researchers to develop self-glazing, anti-glare glass doors

Moths (his children) can indirectly cause long-term unemployment for glass-cleaning workers because the reflective properties on their eyes are inspired by British researchers to create smart glass doors. , can self-clean, energy-saving and anti-glare. This is a collaborative invention between University College London (UCL) and the British Institute of Engineering and Scientific Research (EPSRC).

As described, when rainwater falls on the outside of the glass door, spherical water particles form and roll on the surface, leading to dirt and contaminants. As a result, glass doors can eliminate or reduce the need for cleaning.

In terms of energy savings, actually using this type of glass will prevent heat loss in cold weather and prevent ultraviolet radiation from causing heat during hot days, thereby reducing the cost of heating. or air conditioner. To achieve this effect, the glass is coated with a layer of chemical heat composed of vanadium dioxide , about 5 - 10 nm thin.

Vanadium dioxide is a cheap and not scarce material, so it is used as an alternative to existing silver or gold base coatings on energy-saving glass doors.

And the anti-glare or anti-reflective properties are obtained by a nanostructure.

And the anti-glare or anti-reflective properties are obtained by a nanostructure (pictured above) that simulates the structure of many cones on the eyes of moths and many other creatures to hide before predators. The researchers say this is the first time a nanostructured concept of biology has been combined with a chemical heat coating. As a result, we have a self-cleaning glass door with a 40% reduction in electricity for air-conditioning systems while reducing maintenance costs, improving comfort and increasing employee productivity. tablets. It is unclear when UCL smart doors and EPSRC are manufactured commercially.

The new invention of the UCL University Alliance and the Institute of EPSRC continues to reinforce the idea of ​​a glare-resistant self-cleaning glass door that has been rekindled many years ago. First in 2009, while looking for a cure for Alzheimer's patients, researchers at Tel Aviv University (Israel) discovered a new nanomaterial that could resist dust and water, which is ideal. to develop into self-cleaning coating for glass or solar panels. Later in 2012, researchers at the MIT Institute came up with a way to create nano patterns that cover glass to prevent glare, anti-fog and self-cleaning.

You can see in the video below about the state of water droplets falling on the coating surface developed by MIT. Particularly for moths, there are now many micro and nano structures developed based on the eyes of this insect.