[EcoSeed June 2010 by Claire M. Umali] -- Salvinia molesta, an aquatic weed that has caused headaches for clogging vital waterways can soon play a role in improving fuel efficiency. In Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of America, salvinia molesta has been known to trouble various communities near bodies of water as it obstruct the sunlight for other aquatic plants and build up waterway blockages. Fortunately, scientists have recently found the weed' s redeeming characteristic. The weed has the rare ability to repel water with its surface that is covered with tiny whisk-like hairs.
The outermost tips of the weed's hair actually attract water, a quality called otherwise known as hydrophilicity, which draws water away from the rest of the weed. Photo lifted from weeds.gov.au/
The superhydrophobic surface keeps water at a distance, creating a thin layer of air that prevents the weed from coming in contact with water.
Superhydrophobic synthetic surface already exist but it cannot sustain its water repellent ability in moving water. It can also repel water for only hours.
Salvinia molesta, on the other hand, stands out as it keeps its layer of air for months.
Researchers from the German universities Bonn, Rostock and Karlsruhe attributed this enduring skill to the tips of the weed s hair structures.
Their study in advanced materials reveals that the outermost tips of the weed s hair actually attract water, a quality called otherwise known as hydrophilicity, which draws water away from the rest of the weed.
They plunge into the surrounding liquid and basically staple the water to the plant at regular intervals, said Prof. Wilhelm Barthlott, head of the Nees Institute of Biodiversity of Plants in University of Bonn.
The air layer situated beneath it can therefore not escape so easily, he said.
This ability can be utilized to help various hulls, such as cargo ships, glide through water in an envelope of air. This will cut fuel consumption due to decreased friction.
The International Maritime Organization reports that ships engaged in international trade in 2007 churned 843 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
But this time, the weed can help solve a global problem by potentially helping ships shave 10 percent off their fuel consumption.
