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Scientists create “supersapphire” with superior resistance and advanced functions, such as self-cleaning and anti-reflective — technology promises to revolutionize cell phone screens, glasses and automotive glass.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have introduced a new technology to the world that could revolutionize the way we use materials in cell phones, cars and even spacecraft. They have managed to develop an improved version of sapphire, one of the hardest crystals ever known, capable of resisting scratches and, now, with additional properties such as self-cleaning, anti-reflective and dust rejection. The material, dubbed supersapphire, was created from sapphire nanostructures inspired by natural mechanisms, such as moth eyes and lotus leaves. The discovery was published in the scientific journal Materials Horizons and led by Professor Chih-Hao Chang of the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The proposal is simple but ambitious: to make surfaces much more durable and intelligent, paving the way for unbreakable cell phones, glasses that don't fog up e self-cleaning windshields.
“Supersapphire” combines strength with functionality
A traditional sapphire It is already used in military sensors, cameras and some high-value devices, due to its rigidity and scratch resistance. However, there has always been an obstacle to expanding its use: small-scale manufacturing. Precisely because it is so resistant, molding it into thin and delicate parts was a challenge.
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With the new nanostructures, scientists managed not only to maintain the rigidity of the material, but also to add useful properties to everyday life. The difference in supersapphire It's on the surface: the microscopic structure is designed to control how light, water and dust interact with it.
According to the researchers, this bioinspired approach results in a more functional material, capable of acting passively against reflections and dirt, without the need for chemicals or constant cleaning.
Tests with modified sapphire show surprising results
During the experiments, the “supersapphire” demonstrated impressive efficiency. In one of the tests, 98,7% of the surface remained dust-free under the action of gravity alone, without human intervention. This rate is considered one of the best ever recorded in technologies. dust mitigation, especially in extreme environments like space, where water or cloths are not viable cleaning options.
Additionally, the surface that could make it possible to create unbreakable cell phones has also shown properties super-hydrophilic e hydrophobic, depending on the treatment. In hydrophilic mode, it prevents fogging — ideal for glasses and lenses. In hydrophobic mode, it imitates the behavior of lotus leaf, making the water run off easily, taking dust particles with it.
The student Andrew Tunell, responsible for particle adhesion testing, said that this technology represents a significant advance. “It is a notable improvement over what we have today to combat dust, especially in areas where maintenance is complicated,” he said.
Possible applications in everyday life
Based on the results, the “super sapphire” could be used in several sectors:
- Unbreakable Cell Phones: more resistant screens that repel dirt and grease;
- Anti-fog glasses: lenses that do not fog up and do not need to be cleaned constantly;
- Self-cleaning windshields: surfaces that easily repel dust and water droplets;
- Space equipment: solar panels and sensors that stay clean without maintenance;
- Dispositivos medicos: screens and sensors that require a high degree of hygiene.
All these applications have in common the need for resistance and autonomy, characteristics that the supersapphire promises to deliver effectively.
Biology as a source of inspiration
The development of the “supersapphire” took elements from nature as a reference. The moth eyes, for example, have a structure that prevents light from reflecting, allowing these insects to camouflage themselves better. lotus leaf, present in several cultures as a symbol of purity, has a surface that is naturally water and dirt repellent.
The researchers used these references to create patterns in the sapphire that alter the physical behavior of the surface without interfering with the internal structure. The idea was to combine the best of biology with the most resistant synthetic materials.
Next steps: large-scale production
The team University of Texas at Austin is now dedicated to finding ways to produce the “supersapphire” on an industrial scale. The expectation is that, with strategic partnerships with technology, aerospace and automotive industries, the material will begin to be applied in commercial products in the coming years.
O Professor Chih-Hao Chang reinforces that, although the “supersapphire” is still not as scratch-resistant as conventional sapphire, the additional benefits more than compensate for the slight difference. “The proposal is not just to create a strong material, but one that solves real problems in our daily lives”, he explained.
