Caplio R2
ƒ/5.9
5.6 mm
1/203
100
A drop of water in the sun.
The blue material is hydrophobic sand. This is bizarre stuff to play with. Small amounts will float on water; larger amounts sink and push the water to the top.
For the geeks: Hydropobic sand is normal sand treated with the vapors of a silicone compound (trimethylhydroxysilane), which makes it “water hating” (like oil and water). In fact, the original use of this product was to soak up oil from ocean spills. The hydrophobic sand and oil clump together for easier cleanup.
It can also be used to keep sand bags dry (and lightweight), to repel freezing water from underground cable, or as a water-proof fabric treatment.
Thanks to the TED Conference and Inventables for supplying these unusual materials.
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