Channel: Science Magazine

Category: Science & Technology

Tags: mineralspower plantsmaterialshydrophobicsciencesuperhydrophicwaterproofmagazinewater repellantenergy

Description: Behold the salt monsters. These twisted mineral crystals—formed from the buildup of slightly salty water in power plant pipes—come in many shapes and sizes. But the tiny monsters are a big problem: Each year, they cost the world’s power plants at least $100 billion, as workers have to purge the pipes and scrub them from filters. Now, a solution may be at hand. Read the research ($): scim.ag/3eFQhuX