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Creating a layer of air or water on the surface decreases friction, which can contribute to fuel savings

The shark's skin is lined with tiny bumps, like tiny teeth, called denticles, positioned on placoid scales. This set forms small undulations throughout the body of these animals, which facilitates locomotion and saves energy, as the swimming muscles do not need to move much. And what does this have to do with paint production?

Through biomimetics researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research (IFAM) were inspired by the shark and used a sophisticated formula to develop a new type of paint. It not only has a long lifespan, but also withstands intense ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes and mechanical loads due to the integration of specific nanoparticles in the formula.

The application of this paint does not take place directly on a platform, as on the hull of a ship. It is necessary to have the help of a stencil, which makes small bumps form in every painted place. After this surface is treated with ultraviolet radiation to harden the paint, the stencil is removed, reducing transport "turbulence" and increasing energy efficiency due to aerodynamics.

According to developer estimates, if every plane in the world were painted with this paint, around 4,480 tons of fuel could be saved annually. As for the sea, the friction of maritime vessels could be reduced by up to 5%, which would save, in a large container transporting vessel, around 2,000 tons of fuel per year.

Car coating

It does not stop there! Another product inspired by shark skin is the FastSkinz MPG-Plus, a car cover that is covered with small undulations that create a layer of air across the entire surface. This layer reduces friction and, therefore, manages to increase the efficiency of the fuel used. The product was developed by FastSkinz and has already been patented, but is still in the testing phase.