Novel nonwetting solid-infused surfaces for superior fouling mitigation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Fouling is a significant challenge in environmental and energy systems, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance.
• Conventional nonwetting surfaces often lack durability in dynamic flow conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate novel nonwetting solid-infused surfaces (SIS) for superior fouling mitigation.
• To compare the anti-fouling performance and durability of SIS against lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS) and smooth surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of copper tubes with SIS, LIS, and smooth inner walls.
• Accelerated calcium sulfate fouling tests in a dynamic flow setup.
• Quantification of fouling resistance and analysis of foulant-surface interactions.
• Design of experiments and Taguchi analysis to derive an analytical fouling model.

Main Results:

• SIS exhibited superior fouling mitigation compared to LIS and smooth surfaces.
• An analytical model accurately predicted asymptotic fouling resistance (within 20% accuracy, 95% confidence).
• SIS demonstrated enhanced shear durability over LIS in fouling mitigation.

Conclusions:

• Novel nonwetting solid-infused surfaces (SIS) provide a robust and durable solution for fouling mitigation.
• SIS outperform traditional LIS in dynamic flow environments, offering long-term benefits.
• The developed analytical model aids in predicting and optimizing fouling control strategies.