Scientists learn from oysters in the development of pearl-like coatings which could eventually protect aircraft

摘要

US Scientists from the University of Dayton Research Institute have manipulated the process of shell and pearl formation in oysters to demonstrate a method for depositing pearl-like coatings onto various metal surfaces. The biomimetic research could lead to new lightweight, durable coatings able to protect aircraft from impact and corrosion. The significance of the project, which is funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, is that biological ceramic coatings are naturally derived and do not involve the high-tem-perature, high-pressure environment required by existing methods for ceramic deposition. The Air Force currently uses protective ceramic coatings on aircraft for various purposes, but officials say a nonhazardous process that creates ceramics at room temperature and pressure would be an interesting alternative.