Surface morphology and repellency mechanism investigation of Salvinia molesta plant

Abstract

Bionics is a versatile tool with a technological potential, which designers use to search for signs and clues about functional elements and mechanisms in nature that allow for the development of products. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphology of the aquatic plant Salvinia molesta, aiming to determine the water repellency of its leaf surface and then reproduce its properties in the design of products that require water repellent surfaces. The structure of the plant’s trichomes, analyzed by scanning electron microscope, enabled the identification of the sites where wax was present and absent. The contact angle of the leaf surface was measured, indicating the water absorption capacity of the plant’s surface. Quantification and distribution analyzes of the wax on the leaf surface were also performed. The SEM analysis revealed that the plant has no wax on its trichomes. The measured contact angle and inclination angles allied to the SEM analysis indicated that the plant has hydrophobic characteristics.