New laser system to create self-cleaning metal

Teaming up with appliance company Bosch, the consortium hopes to see their technology create fluid-repellent surfaces inside domestic items such as dishwashers and refrigerators.

The metal will be treated by the high-powered laser system named LAMpAS (short for high throughput Laser structuring with Multiscale Periodic feature sizes for Advanced Surface Functionalities). This textures the metal with microscopic ‘spikes’ or ‘ridges’ that act like a bed of nails and prevent dirt or liquids from attaching themselves, allowing fridge or oven doors to remain clean for longer without the use of detergents or heat.

Said to create an ‘amphiphobic’ surface similar to the mechanisms found in nature like Lotus leaves or springtails’ skin, the system will enable water and oil to simply ‘roll off’ and reduce the build-up of bacteria, scientists said.