Wouldn't it be wonderful if you only had to clean windows, showers, awnings or other surfaces from time to time and at the same time a water-repellent effect protected tents, outdoor clothing and other textiles from moisture and moisture? Nature lives it and before. Now it is up to us to use this miracle and to implement it in a natural way. We are talking about the so-called lotus effect. Copied from nature, implemented by bionics, nano seals and biological impregnation sprays, which imitate a lotus effect with the help of environmentally friendly ingredients, make our everyday life easier. But what is a lotus effect, where does it come from and how can we use it?
What is a lotus effect?
The minimal wettability of a surface is referred to as the lotus effect. This natural phenomenon can be seen particularly well in the lotus flower of the same name, which uses the self-cleaning process to protect itself from pathogens such as fungal spores and bacteria. In addition, the natural effect prevents dust and dirt particles on the surface from shielding sunlight and blocking photosynthesis.
Accordingly, nature arranged it in such a way that the water droplets roll off the huge shield-shaped leaves of the plant and at the same time take away all dirt particles that are on the surface. The foliage is accordingly always immaculately clean, even though the plant grows on muddy ground. The microscopic and nanoscopic structure of the leaf surface is responsible for this. It makes it harder for dirt particles to settle.
But not only lotus, but also other plants and animals such as nasturtium ( Tropaeolu ), white cabbage ( Brassica oleracea ) and reed ( Phramitites ) show this effect. The effect on the flight organs of some species of insects (dragonflies) and on the plumage of birds is also clearly visible. Without the effect, they would lose the ability to use their wings as a means of locomotion in damp and wet conditions.
The lotus effect was discovered by Wilhelm Barthlott. Since then it has been integrated into countless everyday products. These include car paints, facade paints and textile coatings. Impregnation sprays also benefit from it.
How does the lotus effect work?
All liquids, including water, tend to have a minimal volume, i.e. the shape of a drop or a sphere. Forces are at work here that are referred to as the surface tension of the liquid. In practice, this means that when water droplets hit the leaf of the lotus flower, the gravitational forces cause the liquid to stick to the surface.
With regard to the attraction of the molecules, a distinction is made between two groups:
- Hydrophilic surfaces: They attract water molecules.
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Hydrophobic surfaces: they repel water.
The leaf structure of the lotus flower consists of countless tiny nubs with air between them. If a drop of water hits the surface of the leaf, it only makes contact with the smallest area and, due to the minimal surface tension, forms tiny globules that do not melt but flow off in the form of drops. The attraction between the dirt particles and the leaf surface is therefore very low. This means that hydrophobic dirt does not stick either, but is transported away together with the liquid. The positive effect: the sheet is always free of dirt and always clean.
Lotus effect: How to use it in everyday life!
The Lotus technology is particularly useful for surfaces that are constantly exposed to moisture and moisture. Because only surfaces that come into regular contact with water can benefit from the lotus effect. Otherwise dirt could not be washed off.
The lotus effect is used, among other things, in the automotive industry, in awnings, facade and wall paints or outdoor products and textiles. Some products are already offered with the lotus effect. However, one should also be aware that the lotus effect does not last indefinitely. The self-cleaning process only works for a certain period of time and then has to be renewed. For outdoor products such as tents or functional clothing, this works with impregnation sprays such as the Impregnation Spray/Textile & Impregnation Spray/Tent from Emma Grün , which are based on the principle. You should pay attention to the following when impregnating:
The right tent impregnation: Spray from Emma Grün works with a natural lotus effect
Impregnation extends the life of your tent. It protects it from the sun, dirt and water. As a thin layer that sits on the outer surface, the impregnation protection is a perfect protective shield against weather and environmental influences. A perfectly impregnated tent can be recognized by the fact that drops of water roll off and the tent cloth does not get wet.
Most brands are already supplied with a nano-coating. Since this loses its protection after a certain time, it should be renewed at regular intervals. The environmentally friendly Emma Grün Textile & Tent Impregnation, which makes the tent fabric water- and dirt- repellent with its natural ingredients, is ideal for this. These advantages await you:
The perfect UV protection: Unprotected tents can be recognized by the fact that the color fades and the fabric becomes porous. With perfect protection, the colors are preserved and the material of your tent is flexible and unbreakable.
The perfect rain protection: Since the water rolls off immediately in a downpour due to the lotus effect, it cannot penetrate the fabric and the tent stays dry and does not get wet. This means it doesn't have to dry for a long time when it's dismantled, for example, before being stowed away for the next camping trip.
The perfect protection against dirt: Impregnating the tent with the powerful Emma Green Impregnation Spray prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the tent fabric. Dirt particles either roll off or you can easily remove them from the surface with a cloth. Another advantage: Thanks to the perfect protective shield, acidic bird droppings cannot harm your tent and mold formation is also not a problem thanks to a clean tarpaulin.
Did you know that more and more tents are made of Goretex? The waterproof material is designed not only to keep water out, but also to allow water vapor to escape from the inside out. Due to the fact that our impregnation spray does not stick the material but lets it breathe, it is also perfect as an impregnation spray/Goretex.
How often should a tent be waterproofed?
You can easily test whether your tent needs a new impregnation protection. All you have to do is wet your pitched tent thoroughly with water using a garden hose. If the water rolls off across the board, the protective shield is intact. If, on the other hand, you discover a film of water or, in the worst case, wet stains in the fabric, it is time to waterproof your tent again. Never wait too long to build up the protective shield naturally. Because only with the perfect protection will you be able to enjoy your tent for a long time.