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Submitted:
17 August 2023
Posted:
21 August 2023
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Type of Coatings | Description | Bio-inspiration | Aerospace Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Anti-Fouling Coatings | Marine organisms, like barnacles and algae, often attach themselves to submerged structures, causing increased drag and fuel consumption. Bio-inspired anti-fouling polymer coatings can be developed to prevent the attachment of organisms to aircraft surfaces, reducing maintenance requirements and improving performance [71,72,73]. | Sharkskin [74,75] Butterfly wings Lotus leaves |
- Engine Components - Propellers and Rotors |
Anti-Icing Coatings | Ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces can affect aerodynamic performance and increase fuel consumption. Polymer coatings that mimic the microstructure of lotus leaves or insect wings, which have water-repellent properties, can be applied to aircraft surfaces. These coatings reduce ice adhesion and promote easy ice removal, improving flight safety and efficiency [76,77]. | Lotus leaves [78] Cicada wings [79,80] Gecko feet [81] |
- Aircraft Wings - Sensors and Avionics - Windshield and Windows |
Anti-Microbial Coatings | In environments where cleanliness and hygiene are critical, such as in aerospace interiors or medical transport aircraft, bio-inspired anti-microbial coatings can be applied. These coatings mimic the properties of natural antimicrobial substances and help inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, reducing the risk of contamination and improving cabin air quality [82,83,84]. | Spider Silk [85] Sharkskin Chitosan [86,87] |
- Aircraft Interiors - Ventilation Systems - Food Storage and Preparation Surfaces |
Anti-Reflective Coatings | Certain organisms, like moths and butterflies, have evolved unique structures on their wings to minimize reflection and enhance light absorption [88,89,90]. Bio-inspired anti-reflective coatings can be used on aircraft windows, camera lenses, and optical sensors to reduce glare, improve visibility, and enhance optical performance. | Moths [91] Butterfly wings [92] Rose petals [93] |
- Satellite Optics - Optical Telescopes and Observatories - Satellite Solar Panels |
Corrosion Resistance Coatings | Polymer coatings can be designed to provide enhanced corrosion resistance by emulating the protective properties of natural materials [94]. For example, applying coatings that mimic the structure of mollusk shells or coral skeletons can provide a barrier against corrosion and extend the lifespan of aerospace components exposed to harsh environments [98]. | Mollusk shells [96] Coral skeletons [97] Mussel |
- Fuel Tanks and Pipelines - Undercarriage and Landing Gear |
Drag Reduction Coatings | The surface texture of shark skin has inspired the development of coatings that reduce aerodynamic drag. These coatings mimic the microscopic riblets found on shark skin, which decrease drag by reducing the size and intensity of turbulent air flow over the surface. Applying such coatings to aircraft wings and bodies can lead to improved fuel efficiency and increased range. | Sharkskin European Sea Bass scales [98] Pufferfish skin [98] |
- Aircraft Wings and Fuselage - Rotorcraft and Rotor blades |
Heat Shielding Coatings | For spacecraft and re-entry vehicles, heat shielding is crucial during atmospheric re-entry. Bio-inspired coatings can be developed to mimic the heat resistance and thermal insulation properties of materials like the silica shells of diatoms. These coatings help protect the vehicle from extreme temperatures and ensure the safety of the crew and payload. |
Diatom frustules [99] |
- Launch and Re-entry Vehicles - Exhaust Systems |
Noise Reduction Coatings | Surface microstructures with noise reduction properties has inspired the development of bio-inspired coatings that reduce aerodynamic noise . These coatings can be applied to aircraft surfaces to suppress noise generated during takeoff, landing, and high-speed flight, leading to quieter operations and improved passenger comfort. | Riblet [100] Mushroom-like microstructure [100] |
- Aircraft Engines - Air Traffic Control Towers |
Self-Cleaning Coatings | Aerospace components often encounter dust, dirt, and other contaminants during flight. Self-cleaning polymer coatings inspired by the lotus effect, or the self-cleaning ability of butterfly wings can be applied to aircraft surfaces. These coatings repel dirt particles and allow rain or airflows to remove contaminants, reducing maintenance needs and improving aerodynamic efficiency. | Lotus leaves Butterfly wings Fly eye [101] |
- Satellite Optics - Satellite Solar Panels -Windows and Windshields |
Self-Healing Coatings | Self-healing coatings inspired by mussel and tree frog toe can be applied to various aircraft structures and components, such as turbine blades, wings, fuselage, and control surfaces [102]. These coatings can help mitigate the effects of wear, fatigue, and environmental damage, thereby extending the service life of critical aerospace components. By autonomously repairing cracks, scratches, or delamination, these coatings ensure structural integrity and reduce the need for frequent inspections and maintenance. | Mussel [103,104] Tree frog toes [105,106] |
- Windows and Windshields - Fighter Jet Skin |
Solar Energy Harvesting Coatings | Bio-inspired coatings can be used to improve the efficiency of solar panels installed on aircraft. By emulating the light-trapping structures found in plant leaves or photosynthetic bacteria, these coatings can enhance light absorption, optimize energy conversion, and increase the overall power output of solar panels [107,108]. | Plant leaves [109] Cyanobacteria [110] Moth eye [111] |
- Solar Sail Propulsion - Satellite Solar Panels - Energy Harvesting Sensors |
Structural Strengthening Coatings | Some bio-inspired coatings draw inspiration from the structure and composition of materials found in nature, such as bones or seashells [112,113]. These coatings can be applied to strengthen and reinforce structural components of aircraft, improving their durability and resistance to impact or fatigue. | Spidersilk [114] Bones Seashells |
- Aerospace Structures and Framework - Engine Mounts and Attachments |
Thermal Management Coatings | Managing heat distribution and dissipation is crucial in aerospace applications. Bio-inspired coatings that replicate the cooling mechanisms found in the skin of certain animals, such as polar bear fur or penguins, can be used to enhance thermal management [115,116]. These coatings can assist in heat dissipation and reduce thermal stress on critical components. | Penguins Polar bear fur Saharan silver ant hair [117] |
- Satellite Surfaces and Components - Power Generators or Energy Storage Units |
Advanced Bio-inspired Coating Technology | Description |
---|---|
Additive Manufactured Coatings [122,123,124,125] | Additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, offers unique opportunities for the development of bio-inspired polymer coatings in the aerospace industry. Future research should focus on utilizing 3D printing techniques to fabricate polymer based coatings with intricate designs, complex geometries, and precise control over material composition. By integrating bio-inspired features directly into the coating's structure, such as hierarchical patterns or biomimetic textures, it is possible to achieve enhanced functionalities and performance tailored to specific aerospace applications. |
Biomimetic Nanomaterials [126,127,128] | Advancements in nanotechnology provide exciting opportunities for the development of bio-inspired polymer coatings at the nanoscale. Researchers can explore the synthesis and characterization of biomimetic nanomaterials that replicate the unique properties found in natural systems. By incorporating nanomaterials with specific functionalities, such as super hydrophobicity, anti-reflectivity, or enhanced heat resistance, novel coatings can be created to improve the durability, performance, and safety of aerospace components. |
Biomimetic Sensing and Actuation [129,130,131] | Exploring the incorporation of biomimetic sensing and actuation mechanisms within coatings opens exciting possibilities for aerospace functionality. By mimicking biological systems such as Mimosa pudica, coatings could react to environmental changes, such as airflow, temperature fluctuations, or chemical exposures, to adjust surface properties and optimize aerodynamic performance. This bio-inspired approach could lead to aircraft with enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced drag, and improved maneuverability. Future research should focus on understanding and harnessing these adaptive characteristics to create polymer coatings that adapt to different temperatures, pressures, or exposure to chemicals and radiation. |
Multifunctional Coatings [132,133,134] | One promising avenue for future research is the development of multifunctional coatings inspired by nature. While current bio-inspired coatings focus primarily on mimicking specific properties, such as anti-icing or self-cleaning, there is a need to integrate multiple functionalities into a single coating. For instance, exploring the incorporation of structural coloration with anti-corrosion or drag-reducing capabilities could lead to coatings that provide enhanced performance and efficiency in aerospace applications. |
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Coatings [135,136,137] | As the aerospace industry strives for more sustainable practices, future research should focus on developing bio-inspired coatings that are environmentally friendly. This includes exploring alternative bio-based polymers, eco-friendly fabrication processes, and biodegradable polymer coatings that minimize the environmental impact without compromising performance. By integrating sustainable principles into bio-inspired coatings, the aerospace industry can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. |
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