Finnish researchers have unveiled what is described as the most waterproof material yet, highlighting a study published in Nature Chemistry. The substance is presented as a assembly of molecules that creates a protective surface capable of repelling liquids, a discovery that could redefine how we think about durable coatings in extreme environments.
However, the researchers note that the material is not ready for large‑scale production. The issue lies in its ultrathin single layers, which prove highly fragile and susceptible to damage from extended physical contact. This fragility represents a significant hurdle that must be overcome before practical manufacturing can begin.
Despite this barrier, the team intends to push forward with efforts to enhance the material’s durability. The researchers propose potential applications in heating systems and anti‑fog technologies, suggesting that even in its early stages the material could influence areas where liquid repellency and surface clarity are crucial.
Separately, in 2023, scientists at Hawaii Pacific University in the United States explored a promising approach to safeguard astronauts on future Moon missions from lunar dust. The work centers on a material dubbed liquid metal electrostatic shielding fabric, or LiqMEST. This concept leverages electrostatic forces to repel or deflect fine particles that would otherwise cling to spacesuits and equipment in the harsh dusty lunar environment.
LiqMEST represents a broader line of inquiry into adaptive materials designed to operate in space or on Earth under extreme conditions. By combining conductive and insulating properties with responsive surfaces, researchers aim to create fabrics and coatings that respond to their surroundings, offering protection without adding significant weight or bulk. The goal is to reduce the wear and maintenance costs associated with equipment exposed to abrasive particulates and moisture, while maintaining user comfort and mobility.
In related discussions, chemists have previously explored liquid water–based transport methods and automated systems that move goods through wet or liquid environments. These explorations reflect a wider appetite for materials science breakthroughs that blend liquid interfaces with solid structures to achieve novel, practical outcomes.