Octopus can help give UV protection.
Solar cells are also protected from UV rays and coated with an oil-based film for improved functionality. Now, a Finnish-led research team has hit upon an organic alternative.
The team used dye from red-onion peel to coat a film made from nano-fine cellulose fibres and the new protective layer was more effective than conventional coatings.
It blocked 99.9% of UV rays up to 400 nanometres while simultaneously allowing the transmission of more than 80% of light waves measuring 650 – 1,100 nanometres.
The latter are necessary to generate electricity. In simulated long-term tests, the coating retained its characteristics.
Would go well with novel solar module dusters. Tomatoes, meanwhile, can help protect canned food.
