For humans to see a surface as white, all wavelengths of light hitting and then shining back off the object have to reflect back equally. Making white products, such as white paint, requires titanium or zinc oxide to even out this reflectivity. While effective at producing a shine, these additives can be harmful and do not easily break down, which is why scientists have developed a new white coating that uses only organic materials. Inspired by white-pigment producing beetles found in South East Asia, the scientists have created a white coating from naturally occurring cellulose that is more effective and eco-friendly than conventional white materials.
Beetle inspires scientists to create first eco-friendly white coating material
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