Functional Properties of Bio-Inspired Surfaces: Characterization and Technological Applications

Many good books have been written recently on this new field called biomimetics or bionics, but few exploring simultaneously the characterization and technological processes to produce man-made surfaces with similar properties as the biological ones. Bio-inspired surface structures offer significant commercial potential for the creation of antireflective, self-cleaning and drag reducing surfaces, as well as new types of adhesive systems. This review volume explores how the current knowledge of the biological structures occurring on the surface of moth eyes, leaves, sharkskin, and the feet of reptiles can be transferred to functional technological materials. It analyses how such surfaces can be described and characterized using microscopic techniques and thus reproduced. It also encompasses the important areas of current surface replication techniques and the associated acquisition of good master structures.The book is divided in three sections: an introduction of the skin functions and four functional properties of biological surfaces; physical, chemical and microscopy techniques for describing and characterizing the surfaces; and replication techniques for modifying non-natural surfaces.

This book written by and for scientists and engineers of complementary specialties is recommended to scientists in the field, newcomers from different areas and graduate students. The book explores in a very attractive simple way how the current knowledge of biological structures occurring on the surfaces of living species can be transferred to develop new functional materials. --Hans Jörg Mathieu, Prof Dr em, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

This book written by and for scientists and engineers of complementary specialties is recommended to scientists in the field, newcomers from different areas and graduate students. --Prof Dr em Hans Jörg Mathieu, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

The book surveys an equally remarkable range of techniques for observing, manipulating, and quantifying the behavior of surfaces. In short, it is a book to be read to broaden one's appreciation of the range of relevant phenomena and then kept close at hand when a person plunges into a project. --Steven Vogel, Professor Emeritus, Duke University, USA

The authors of the individual chapters are well-respected scientists in the field of biological or biomimetic surfaces and the book represents valuable source of information for both students and scientists exploring this research field as well as experts looking for a comprehensive overview. --Prof Dr Christoph Neinhuis, Technische Universität Dresden