Demystifying Science - May 6, 2018

In designing various kinds of surfaces, material-science researchers are looking to develop surfaces that are resistant to a wide variety of agents, or ‘spills’. Thus, an ideal ‘omniphobe’ would be one that swiftly sheds water, oils, alcohols and even peanut butter. Researchers claim that a material recently crafted from fusing fluorinated polyurethane and a specialised fluid-repellent molecule called F-POSS is the closest science has got to crafting a perfect omniphobe. While several composites have repelled ice and water, this new coating is the first that is durable and clear and can be easily applied to virtually any surface.