Durable Liquid- and Solid-Repellent Elastomeric Coatings Infused with Partially Crosslinked Lubricants

Abstract

Surfaces that are resistant to both liquid fouling and solid fouling are critical for many industrial and biomedical applications. However, surfaces developed to address these challenges thus far have been generally susceptible to mechanical damage. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of robust solid- and liquid-repellent elastomeric coatings that incorporate partially crosslinked lubricating chains within a durable polymer matrix. In particular, we fabricated partially crosslinked omniphobic polyurethane (omni-PU) coatings that can repel a broad range of liquid and solid foulants. The fabricated coatings are an order of magnitude more resistant to cyclic abrasion than current state-of-the-art slippery surfaces. Further through the integration of classic wetting and tribology models, we introduce a new material design parameter (K AR) for abrasion-resistant polymeric coatings. This combination of mechanical durability and broad antifouling properties enables the implication of such coatings to a wide variety of industrial and medical settings, including biocompatible implants, underwater vehicles, and antifouling robotics.

Recent Developments in Multifunctional Antimicrobial Surfaces and Applications toward Advanced Nitric Oxide-Based Biomaterials

“…Scientists have taken great inspiration from naturally occurring micro- and nano-topographies with high surface contact to modify biomedical materials that mimic these intricate architectures for their antibacterial and antifouling properties. Patterned structures often found on the cicada, dragonfly wings, shark skin, lotus, and rose petals or even liquid-infused surfaces possess the ability to inhibit or destroy bacteria. , …”

“…Patterned structures often found on the cicada, dragonfly wings, shark skin, lotus, and rose petals or even liquid-infused surfaces possess the ability to inhibit or destroy bacteria. 109,110 Evaluation of these surfaces illustrates extensive variants in elemental and conformational traits, suggesting that there is no one specific surface structure that demonstrates bactericidal performance against all types of microorganisms. Nevertheless, complex biological interactions between adsorption and release of protein moieties, cells, and microorganisms on the device interface may be dictated by these designs.…”

Self-Healing, Robust, Liquid-Repellent Coatings Exploiting the Donor–Acceptor Self-Assembly

“…Liquid-repellent surfaces, including superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), have the potential to improve anti-icing, water collection, and antifouling properties remarkably for industrial applications. − Although there are several fabrication methods and materials, their robustness and durability − leave a huge scope for improvement. To develop robust liquid-repellent surfaces, the combination of abrasion-resistant materials and elastic supporting polymers is commonly applied to reduce the damage to the surface passively. , Generally, coatings with low surface energy adhere poorly to most substrates, with a few specific exceptions. , Even with high substrate adhesion, surfaces are often exposed to high-speed liquid impact, mechanical abrasion, chemical degradation, and so forth. , Such challenging conditions can easily exceed the inherent strength and toughness of most materials.…”

“…Liquid-repellent surfaces, including superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), have the potential to improve anti-icing, water collection, and antifouling properties remarkably for industrial applications. 1 − 4 Although there are several fabrication methods and materials, their robustness and durability 5 − 9 leave a huge scope for improvement. To develop robust liquid-repellent surfaces, the combination of abrasion-resistant materials and elastic supporting polymers is commonly applied to reduce the damage to the surface passively.…”

Adhesive Release via Elasto-Osmotic Stress Driven Surface Instability

“…Modification of elastomers via liquid has recently been investigated by various groups. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] The work reported here is related particularly to those studies concerning hydrophilic liquid inclusions. [16][17][18][19][20] These materials are unique in that they maintain, overall, the intrinsic properties of the elastomer but they are capable of absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment.…”