Thanks to the roll-off effect, water cannot penetrate plant leaves.
Collonil
Roll-off effect
Nanostructured surfaces can also be found in nature: the leaves of certain plants and insect wings remain clean because soil and water cannot stick to their surfaces.
During the "roll-off effect", the force of attraction between surfaces and water droplets is reduced. Tiny "spikes" on the surface prevent a water droplet from penetrating the underlying material. It rolls off the tips which are very small compared to the water droplet.
- Soil and water simply roll off
- In nature some plant leaves and insect wings utilise this effect
- In leather care the roll-off effect provides for an up to 25-30 per cent improved waterproofing effect