For thousands of years already, the Lotus flower has been considered a symbol of perfect purity in Asian cultures, since the plants come absolutely clean even in the most muddy waters. Rain water drips off the lotus leaf and takes all the dirt with it.  

Left: Red wine and ink were dripped onto textiles treated with nanodeck^® textiles.
Color and wine can be easily and totally removed with a damp cloth. 
Right: Lotus effect on a leaf.

This lotus effect was discovered by the botanic Prof. Wilhelm Barthlott, University Bonn, in the 1990s. In a herbarium, he observed that some plant species were often dirty, whereas other plant species have remained unsoiled for many years, and if they were dirty a jet of water was sufficient to leave the surface perfectly clean. He researched this phenomenon and found out that it was caused by the extraordinary surface structure of the plants. The lotus flower has developed ca. 10 micrometer high, close-together papillae on the surface of the leaves consisting of hydrophobic (water-repellent) waxes, which reduce the contact area for water and dirt particles to a minimum. Due to this special surface structure, dirt particles and water hardly stick to the leaf and a water jet suffices to leave it perfectly clean. 

Prof. Barthlott had several problems to publish this important knowledge, because his research results were contrary to the valid at that time dogma: Smooth surfaces are equivalent to clean and easy to clean! Gradually, however, he managed to give proof that tiny but structured irregularites on the surface have the effect of less dirt on it, which can easily be removed with water. 

Left: Electron microscopic image of the structure causing the Lotus effect.
Right: Water drop with dirt particles on a surface with Lotus effect.

Nanotechnology has not simply copied this effect from nature, but even improved it.     Carpets treated accordingly cannot be harmed by dirt or even red wine. No wiper is needed for coated windshields when driving faster than 40 mph, since the water just drips of and in winter ice can be removed much easier. For more information see nanodeck^® products.