Biomimetic replicas: Transfer of complex architectures with different optical properties from plant surfaces onto technical materials.

Abstract

Plant surfaces are characterized by a high diversity of structures which determine their optical properties, such as shiny, gleaming, silky, matt or iridescent. Replicas with different optical properties have been generated by using plant surfaces as templates and an improved replica technique. The technique allows the replication of complex surface structures with overhangs, cavities, and fragile or soft structures in a fast and cost-efficient way. Structures from some millimetres to some nanometres can be replicated. The transfer of complex architectures with different optical properties from plant surfaces onto technical surfaces implies a great potential for the development of new biomimetic surfaces with new optical properties.