Project description
Biomimetic surface modifications for industrial applications
The EU-funded LaBionicS project aims to bring a laser processing approach for recently developed biomimetic surface texturing to the market. This approach enables the formation of functional micro- and nano- textures that mimic the skin structures of various animals and insects. The project applies advanced laser-processing strategies to mimic the specific topography of the outer protective layer, the integument, of bark bugs, sharks, butterfly wings, and moisture harvesting lizards. These nano-features are important for functionalising the surface in potential engineering applications relevant to directional fluid transport, drag and friction reduction, self-cleaning, water-repelling, antibacterial protection, and many other applications.
Objective
LaBionicS aims at both commercializing and industrializing a surface laser processing approach for biomimetic surface texturing developed during LiNaBioFlud project. This approach provides controlled formation functional (micro-/nano- structured) surface textures that mimic skin structures found in different animals and insects (biomimetic surfaces). More specifically the project will use the advanced laser-processing strategies, developed during the LiNaBioFLuid project, based on self-organization of material surface, to mimic the specific topography of the integument of bark bugs, sharks, butterfly wings and moisture harvesting lizards. Our investigations gave strong indications that these nano-features play an important role for the functionalizing surface in engineering applications relevant to Directional Fluid transport, Antibacterial / Antifouling, Antireflectance, Drag reduction, Friction Reduction, Self Cleaning and Water repellency. Beside these main advantageous functionalities, the approach has enormous versatility for modulating the final biomimetic properties and applicability in a real industrial line.
The project will follow an open innovation approach with three main enablers for commercializing and industrializing the technology. There are three main enablers/themes that will facilitate the work of the LaBionicS project that will enable the funneling of different ideas into viable highly potential commercial applications.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
70013 Irakleio
Greece