Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 3.3 Examples of structural colors displayed by a the wasp Hedychrum rutilans and b the
butterfly Morpho peleides. Image source Wikimedia commons, public domain
attracted the interest of many researchers who have been striving to come up with
technologies capable of producing materials with structural color (Eadie and
Ghosh 2011 ; Li et al. 2012 ). So far, the principles behind the structural color
displayed by butterfly scales and peacock feathers has inspired the development of
color-shifting paints (ChromaFlair, JDSU) and fabrics (Diphorl, Kuraray Corpo-
ration and Morphotex, Teijin Fibers), anti-counterfeiting technologies (NOtES,
NanoTech Security), high efficiency solar collectors (Zhao et al. 2011 ), electronic
screens without environmental light interference (Mirasol, Qualcomm), radiant
light films (3 M TM
Radiant Films, 3 M) for home décor and architectural glass,
among others.
Anti-reflection. The outstanding optical properties displayed by living organ-
isms do not end with their color techniques. The eyes of the elephant hawk-moth
(Deilephila elpenor) are coated with a regular pattern of conical nano protuber-
ances (200-300 nm height), which significantly minimize light reflection. This
ability improves night vision and is critical for moths to escape predators. The anti-
reflective properties of these structures is superior to any man-made cover and can
be replicated in anti-reflective films for electronic devices (Motheye and Marag,
MacDermid Autotype 2 ) and solar panels (Yang et al. 2013 ) or to improve X-ray
imaging instruments (Pignalosa et al. 2012 ). The production of such films for
construction applications would enable architects to construct or retrofit buildings
with anti-reflective facades. This would be especially valuable in the case of metal-
and glass-clad skyscrapers implanted in densely populated areas that can poten-
tially create hazardous reflectivity issues for neighboring buildings and passing
traffic.
Bird-friendly glass. The latest architectural trends include an increase in the
incorporation of glass windows in buildings, to better harness sunlight, and
improve energy efficiency. Nonetheless, glass facades of city skyscrapers came
with a high cost to non-human inhabitants, namely bird populations. As it happens
with humans, birds are not capable of seeing glass, and thus often collide with
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