Which biomimetic materials are most promising for reducing aircraft weight and fuel consumption?

1 Spider silk composites

Spider silk is one of the strongest natural fibers, with a high tensile strength and toughness. It can also self-repair and adapt to different environmental conditions. Researchers have developed spider silk composites by coating the silk fibers with epoxy resin and aligning them in different directions. These composites can be used to make lightweight and flexible structures for aircraft wings, fuselage, and landing gear. They can also reduce drag and noise by creating a smooth and porous surface.

2 Lotus leaf coatings

Lotus leaves have a remarkable ability to repel water and dirt, thanks to their micro- and nano-structures that create a superhydrophobic and self-cleaning effect. This property can be applied to aircraft coatings to prevent ice formation, corrosion, and fouling, which can increase the weight and drag of the aircraft and reduce its efficiency and safety. Lotus leaf coatings can also reduce the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, saving time and resources.

3 Shark skin surfaces

Shark skin has a unique texture of tiny scales called denticles, which reduce the turbulence and friction of the water flow around the shark's body. This enables the shark to swim faster and more agilely. By mimicking the shape and arrangement of the denticles, engineers have created shark skin surfaces for aircraft wings and fuselage, which can reduce the drag and fuel consumption by up to 10%. They can also improve the stability and maneuverability of the aircraft by altering the pressure distribution and vortex formation.

4 Butterfly wing displays

Butterfly wings have a brilliant coloration that is not due to pigments, but to the interference and reflection of light by their nanostructures. These structures can change color depending on the angle and polarization of the light, creating a dynamic and iridescent effect. By using these structures as templates, scientists have developed butterfly wing displays that can modulate light without using any external power source. These displays can be used for aircraft cockpit instruments, sensors, and indicators, as well as for camouflage and communication purposes.

5 Wood foam insulation

Wood foam is a novel material made from wood fibers and water, which are whipped into a foam and then dried and cured. The resulting material has a low density, high porosity, and good thermal and acoustic insulation properties. It can also be recycled and biodegraded, making it environmentally friendly. Wood foam can be used as a lightweight and sustainable alternative to conventional insulation materials for aircraft cabins, engines, and cargo compartments. It can also improve the comfort and safety of passengers and crew by reducing noise and heat transfer.