from The New York Times
'Nanograss' Turns Sticky to Slippery in an Instant
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An experimental technology which allows a material to change from an absorbent sheet to a non-absorbent one at the flick of a switch. This could certainly result in useful applications in conservation treatments. A few comes to mind: as a reservoir for moisture, solvents or adhesive that is triggered by time/heat/light; easier and more precise transfer of wet paper onto a lining; switching from being a release sheet to being a blotter sheet at will.