Artificial Skin Mimics the Real Thing

Tracy Staedter, Discovery News
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The team is currently working on a patch of FILMskin with a surface that resists water and the ability to sense changes in temperature and pressure.

The water-resistant top layer will be made from a specially designed nano-structured material. It starts with tiny particles of sand, each one textured to amplify the effect of surface tension, naturally repelling water.

Such particles could be sprinkled like powder onto polymers and then bonded to the surface with heat, for example. The coating would keep water or sweat out of seams and joints, where moisture could compromise electronics.

The team is also looking at how they can use carbon nanotubes to harvest solar energy or body heat to power the sensors.

"Expect more interesting news soon," said Ivanov.


Related Links:

Tracy Staedter's blog: What the Tech?

How Stuff Works: Biomechantronics

American Society of Biomechanics


 
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