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Liquid-impregnated porous polypropylene surfaces for liquid repellency
Philip S Brown1, Bharat Bhushan1
1Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- & Nanotechnology and Biomimetics (NLBB), The Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1142, USA.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|November 5, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed durable, liquid-repellent polypropylene surfaces for packaging. This new method creates porous materials using a liquid-impregnation technique for enhanced stability and industrial viability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in packaging but can be fouled by contents.
- Existing superomniphobic surfaces have limited long-term stability.
- Liquid-impregnated surfaces offer a more stable alternative for liquid repellency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating porous polypropylene surfaces suitable for liquid-impregnation.
- To engineer durable and industrially viable liquid-repellent PP surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of porous PP by depositing a solvent-nonsolvent PP solution at high temperature.
- Functionalization of porous PP with fluorosilane.
- Immobilization of an immiscible lubricating liquid onto the porous surface.
Main Results:
- Successfully created porous polypropylene surfaces amenable to liquid-impregnation.
- Developed durable liquid-repellent surfaces exhibiting repellency to water, oils, shampoo, and detergent.
- Achieved extremely low tilt angles for liquid repellency due to smooth liquid-liquid contact.
Conclusions:
- The developed liquid-impregnated surfaces offer a more industrially viable and durable solution for liquid-repellent polypropylene packaging.
- The fabrication method is straightforward, enhancing practical application.
- These surfaces demonstrate broad applicability for repelling various liquids.
