Mechanically-Created Frictionless Surface

EoRaptor writes "How to enhance the properties of already low friction surfaces down to zero friction. Even water won't stick. I found this link over on Ars Technica. First, I'll build a black ship with black controls that light up black..."

Comments

All hands - brace for societal impact

[anvilmark]

Wow. I can't believe that the moderators haven't put this one on the main page. This could change mechanical engineering like the transistor changed computing.
Yes, I know it probably isn't magic, but think of all the things where friction is a limiting factor. Even if this type of coating only HALVES the friction force, the impact would be incredible. If it really is as non-reactive as they are saying, a whole new class of containers and transmission conduits would spring into being.
What's more, this sounds like a relatively straight-forward manufacturing process and could probably be incorporated into almost anything where one part rubs on another or needs to be protected from the elements.
I want more specs! How hard is this stuff, could it function as a cheap substitute for industrial diamond coatings? Is this stuff a conductor or insulator (either? semi?) At those densities, how does it bleed heat?
Bond a coating of this stuff to ship hulls and watch those barnacles try and get a grip! That alone would revolutionize the costs of sea transport. Not to mention the reduction in friction effects for the hull itself. Anything that has to resist the effects of sea water would be transformed.
Near frictionless bearings without magnetics or lubrication, now THAT would be cool...

Frictionless Substances and the Artificial Heart

[Bonker]

One of the biggest problems facing medical researchers who have been trying to come up with a decent way to run a good artificial heart has been the lack of substances with which to build the thing.

Barney Clark, the first artificial heart recipient, died of a stroke due to clotting in the device that eventually traveled to his brain. The new 'heart assist' pumps that are in use now that aid patients until their heart heals from an injury or disease, or until they can find a donor heart are made with certain ceramic materials that are so irregular that blood clots on them more rapidly than on smooth polymers and metals that were used in earlier devices.

The theory behind these is that because the surface is so rough, the blood clots that do form are much less likely to break off and work their way into a critical artery blockage. It seems to work, but these devices are *Very* high maintenance and require tubes and/or wires to extend from the chest cavity to power them.

This new material could have a profound effect on artificial organ research because, like the smooth muscle of the heart, blood won't clot on this stuff. If the research proves out, artificial heart devices can be made smaller, more powerful and less intrusive.

I just hope these guys realize this and will provide samples to research hospitals...