Cyphochilus
Cyphochilus is a
Etymology
Probably the same etymology as the former
External morphology
The whiteness of the scales is caused by a thin disordered
The white scales are composed of sclerotin, a modified form of the polymer chitin, and are whiter than paper or any artificial material produced as of 2022. That is they have a scattering mean free path shorter than any natural material thanks to the anisotropy in the spatial architecture of the fibres, which ensures a high packing efficiency whilst preventing optical crowding.[4]
Ecology
The beetles are believed to have developed white coloration to camouflage themselves among white
Inspired materials
Scientists have exploited the
Another recent example consists of the use of cellulose nanofibrils to fabricate ultra-white paper for cosmetics and coatings.[9] Or ceramic for tiles.[10]
In 2023 a durable alumina-based ceramic based on Cyphochilus achieved a solar reflectivity of 99.6%, a record high, along with infrared thermal emission of 96.5%. It tolerates ultraviolet light and increases water evaporation and withstands temperatures of over 1,000 °C.[11]
Finally, the researchers also say that the material can be easily mass produced, using common materials like alumina and a two-step process of phase inversion and sintering. And if white is too boring for some houses, the material can apparently be produced in other colors and patterns by adding extra layers.
References
- ^ "White beetle dazzles scientists". BBC News. January 18, 2007.
- ISSN 0099-8745.
- S2CID 9813819.
- PMID 25123449.
- hdl:11696/65192.
- ^ Espuig, Maria Dasi (2014-08-16). "Beetles' whiteness understood". BBC News.
- PMID 28640543.
- .
- PMID 29532967.
- ^ Lin Kaixin, Edwin Tso Chi-yan; Chen Siru (10 November 2023). "New cooling ceramic can enhance energy efficiency for the construction sector and help combat global warming—CityU research" (Press release). CityU Hong-Kong University.
- ^ Irving, Michael (2023-11-13). "Ultra-white ceramic cools buildings with record-high 99.6% reflectivity". New Atlas. Retrieved 2023-11-13.