In the paws of beetles, they found a lubricant more effective than Teflon
Scientists from the University of Kiel in Germany have discovered a substance that reduces friction more than Teflon. This is the lubricant obtained from the legs of the beetle. The wax-like material could theoretically be used for small dentures as well as microrobots, New Scientist reports.
Many beetles are known to have natural lubrication in their joints that prevents wear and tear. The authors of the new scientific work studied representatives of the species Zophobas morio – their body contains especially large amounts of this substance.
For example, the pores around the beetle's leg joint release a waxy lubricant in cylinders up to 1 micrometer wide. When the joint moves, the lubricant spreads over the surface.
The researchers decided to test the substance's effectiveness by placing a small amount between two small pieces of glass. It turned out to reduce friction even better than polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon).
The study also suggests that insect lubrication serves other functions as well. Under increased load, it acts as a shock absorber and prevents traumatic contact.
The scientists noted that it is too difficult and expensive to extract the natural lubricant of beetles for industrial use. The substance is literally worth its weight in gold. But they plan to find a way to synthesize it in the laboratory.
Earlier it was reported that spiders helped German scientists come up with a powerful glue. In search of a recipe, the authors examined their paws.
