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Engineers at the University of Rochester have made a groundbreaking advancement in materials science by creating unsinkable aluminum tubes capable of maintaining buoyancy even under severe conditions. This innovation, detailed in the journal *Advanced Functional Materials*, employs microscopic laser etching to develop superhydrophobic tubes that repel water and trap air, enhancing their ability to float despite being punctured or submerged.
The research team, led by Professor Chunlei Guo, modified the inner surfaces of aluminum tubes by using lasers to etch micro- and nano-scale pits. This textured surface not only repels water but also captures air, which acts as a flotation mechanism when the tubes are submerged. To further enhance stability, the team incorporated a central divider within each tube, preventing air from escaping regardless of the tube’s orientation in the water.
This design draws inspiration from natural hydrophobic engineering examples, such as the ability of diving bell spiders to carry air underwater and fire ants to form buoyant rafts during floods. The new tube structure addresses previous limitations encountered in earlier projects, which had performance issues under extreme angles and turbulence.
In tests conducted over several weeks, the tubes demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to float even after being punctured multiple times. The research also explored different lengths of the tubes, showing the potential for scalability and the ability to link them together for larger floating platforms.
Beyond buoyancy, the engineers investigated practical applications, such as using these tubes to create rafts capable of harvesting energy from wave motion. This feature could be particularly beneficial for off-grid power and renewable energy systems in remote marine environments, where durability and low maintenance are essential.
While still in the research phase, this innovative design presents a versatile foundation for various marine technologies, including unsinkable buoys, modular docks, and emergency rescue equipment. With further development, these superhydrophobic tubes could provide effective solutions to challenges related to life on and near the water, paving the way for more resilient and efficient marine structures.
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