Scientists Create Super Slippery Toilet Coating That Stops Poop From Sticking

Scientists have created a special slippery coating for toilets that will stop poop from sticking. What a time to be alive.

The non-stick coating wasn't just designed to make your toilet look a bit less grim, because researchers at Penn State University say the new coating will help save massive amounts of water.

According to the team, the coating will cut the amount of water needed to flush away poo by as much as 90 percent. It will also help to stop bacteria from building up in bogs, particularly the type that can spread disease, and combat 'orrible smells.

The liquid-entrenched smooth surface, also known as LESS, will 'dramatically reduce' the amount of water needed and can be applied in under five minutes.

PA

Researchers, who published their findings in Nature Sustainability, say the coating can be applied via a spray and that it will last for 500 flushes in a normal toilet before it will need to be reapplied.

Speaking to Penn State News, associate professor of mechanical engineering Tak-Sing Wong said: "Our team has developed a robust bio-inspired, liquid, sludge- and bacteria-repellent coating that can essentially make a toilet self-cleaning.

"Poop sticking to the toilet is not only unpleasant to users, but it also presents serious health concerns. Our goal is to bring impactful technology to the market so everyone can benefit."

Penn State College of Engineering

Co-developer Jing Wang explained the science behind the coating, which is made up of two sprays. Wang said: "When it dries, the first spray grows molecules that look like little hairs, with a diameter of about 1,000,000 times thinner than a human's."

Well, that sounds both cool and weird - count me in.

Revealing more about the erm... interesting lab tests, Wang added: "When we put that coating on a toilet in the lab and dump synthetic fecal matter on it, it just completely slides down and nothing sticks to it [the toilet]." Thanks for clearing that up, pal.

The team are now hoping to get the product out of the lab and into our toilets so people - and the planet - can start reaping the benefits.

Topics: Science, World News, Interesting, Weird

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19