Laser-etched bicycle frames repel water and mud

Scientists have laser etched metal surfaces to make them entirely water repellent. The same technique applied to a bicycle frame and components would dramatically reduce the need for cleaning.

Laser-etched bicycle frames promise to be forever clean

Bikes with frames and componentrs laser etched in this way would be 'superhydrophobic', which means they would need washing less frequently and parts that stay clean will last longer. Most importantly, the super-hydrophobic surfaces of this kind are more efficient, durable and environmentally friendly than chemical coatings. For example, a Teflon non-stick frying pan typically needs to be tilted at 70 degrees before water droplets run off its surface. The laser etched metal requires little or no angle.

Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York, produced the surface by processing metal with high-intensity lasers, creating nano structures that make the surface highly water repellent. At present, the process could be applied to bare metal aluminium or titanium frames. The researchers are hoping to develop the technique so that it works on a variety of materials.

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The technique has many potential applications including aircraft wings to eliminate the risk of icing and car bodies to reduce the need for cleaning. However, challenges remain before these applications can become a reality. The process is currently labour intensive, requiring one hour to pattern a 1 inch square area of metal.

The chemical competition

Ultra-Ever Dry is a super-hydrophobic (water) and oleophobic (hydrocarbons) coating that uses nanotechnology to create a barrier of air that repels water, oil and other liquids unlike any coating seen before. The two-part spray that can be applied with a paint gun or simple trigger atomiser. It's particularly well-suited to mountain bikes because at present it is available only in a translucent white finish - it will cover a gloss paint with a dull, matt finish that might not be welcome on a spanky-looking road bike.

The advantage of the metal etching process is that it does not rely on chemicals in this way and cannot be rubbed off.

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