Product Inspiration

While oil is the crucial material for both keeping cars running and lubricating the many moving parts, the molecular structure of the compound doesn’t always play nice with soft rubbers and plastics. Its potent chemical nature can break down and dissolve many different materials, making a need for frequent repairs and gasket replacements.

Unlike water, oil has a very low surface tension, which is why it spreads out so smoothly and evenly on flat surfaces (hence, why its a great lubricant). This new material repels oil by cradling droplets in a fabric of tiny fibers which have very low surface energy. The new material and related discoveries could lead to all kinds of applications from new gaskets to cleaner mechanic clothing by resisting oil’s tendency to grab and spread all over surfaces and fabrics.

http://www.physorg.com/news116172451.html

Technorati : fabric, oil repellant

Countless hockey players and ice skaters have probably dreamed of having heated blades to improve their speed and control while moving around the ice. Finally, a product is coming out that does exactly that. The heating element from this product could be useful in quite a few other applications as well.http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/02/therma-blade-heated-ice-skates -landing-soon/