Functional Properties of Bio-Inspired Surfaces: Characterization and Technological Applications

This review volume consists of a collection of articles, written by renowned scientists from different countries, on biomimetism and materials science. It starts with a detailed explanation of the four typical, useful properties of biological surfaces the shark skin effect (anti-friction surfaces), the lotus effect (self-cleaning or anti-adhesive surfaces), the gecko effect (dry adhesive surfaces) and the moth eye effect (anti-reflective surfaces) and shows their extended application in technology. Different microscopy techniques used for characterizing these technological useful biological surfaces such as scanning electron microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy, are discussed in the following chapters. Then, several methods such as laser metallurgy, electrodeposition and plasma-based processes, which are used for modifying the topography and composition of material surfaces to obtain specific functional properties with technological applications, are demonstrated.