NIST researchers have devised a novel platform for self-assembling hierarchical surfaces in a fluid. Rather than mixing the components on a substrate and letting them dry, the investigators allowed them to mix and assemble freely in a fluid and then quickly froze them in place. The key was the use of solutions of water and a special monomer that polymerizes them suddenly upon exposure to UV light. (www.sensorsmag.com/1006/RDFluids)
 NIST |