We’re gonna need a bigger wind turbine. Or maybe not. German researchers are using shark skin to make windmills spin more efficiently, and generate more electricity. Not real shark skin, thankfully. This is shark-line skin that can be painted onto wind turbines, airplanes and ships to reduce flow resistance, or drag. Does this make your “Jaws” drop?
This type of biomimicry has already been tried with cars, to improve mileage, as Michael reported last year. The latest version comes from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany, dubbed as the leading organization for applied research in Europe.
Shark skin was the inspiration because fast-swimming sharks have evolutionary scales that allow them to move quickly through the water and nab their prey. Swimmers and surfers, take note.
The shark paint was developed by Yvonne Wilke, Volkmar Stenzel and Manfred Peschka of the Fraunhofer Institute.
They say the paint system can lower costs, and as a result, carbon dioxide emissions. The recipe for the aerodynamic skin involves nanoparticles, to allow the paint to withstand ultraviolet radiation, temperature change and mechanical loads, according to information from the institute.
The paint lasts for about five years, at which time it has to be removed and reapplied. The paint is applied with a stencil (according to Stenzel), to give it a shark-skin structure.
For wind turbines, and commercial wind-energy parks, the paint could reduce air resistance, improve efficiency and result in greater energy generation, the researchers say. They estimate the paint could save almost 4.5 million tons of fuel a year if applied to every airplane in the world. Now that would be quite a contract.
For a large container ship, the paint could reportedly reduce wall friction by more than 5 percent a year, saving 2,000 tons of fuel annually.
The next task for the Germans: To develop shark skin paint that resists algae or mussels that accumulate on ship hulls.

Seabase International announces they are to distribute the Surfer’s Skin range of sunscreens in Europe Developed in New Zealand to overcome the severe UV conditions experienced by surfers, the Surfers Skin range of waterproof sunscreens has been widely accepted throughout New Zealand in all outdoor pursuits where it’s waterproof, sweat-proof and non-sting qualities have been praised. The development company, Skin Alive, also produces a range of sunscreen for Golfers and Snowboarders and skiers with all products accepted for a huge range of other activities and its qualities become well known.    Claiming a 30+ SPF factor, (Factor 50 is only 0.5% more effective) and at least two hours of waterproof protection and Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection, Surfers Skin is perfect for any conditions likely to be experienced anywhere in Europe.   “We consistently get UV ratings of 15 out of 15 – extreme conditions with very short burn times in our New Zealand summers. Surfers Skin, with its high protection factor, ease of application, and safety factors will be the choice of all surfers – just as it has been in New Zealand for years” says Seabase International Director Murray Steward. “We are proud to offer it under our 100% Quality 100% Waterproof sign-off in Europe – it perfectly fits our quality image as we strive to offer total and complete satisfaction in both product and service to the surf industry”. Surfers Skin has paid close attention to safety issues with the product line containing no Parabens or nanoparticles. Rich in nature’s new wonder material, Manuka Honey, and aloe vera, Surfers skin is particularly safe to use for children and its sweat-proof formula doesn’t run easily to sting young eyes. Safe for all skin types.

[The April issue of] TransWorld Business takes a look at the state of the surf hardgoods market, checking in with the industry to see how surfboard sales are faring.

The past five years have been tumultuous for surfboard manufacturers. All markets naturally ebb and flow, but the ripples that formed in the
wake of Clark Foam’s closure in December 2005 quickly turned into waves. For many surfboard builders, dodging and duck-diving the formidable set of challenges that ensued has taken a toll.

That being said, there appears to be a lull on the horizon. After three years of retailers reporting being over inventoried with surf hardgoods, the tide seems to have begun its turn. According to a survey of 75 of the leading surfboard retailers in the U.S., 76 percent described their current surfboard inventory as either about right, slightly under-stocked, or under-stocked. Of the remaining 24 percent, 22 percent said they are only slightly overstocked, leaving a mere two percent in the flooded category.