Robust Underwater Oil-Repellent Biomimetic Ceramic Surfaces: Combining the Stability and Reproducibility of...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Ceramic Engineering

Background:

• Developing robust underwater oil-repellent materials is crucial for devices operating in aquatic environments.
• Existing materials struggle to combine mechanical strength, durability, superwettability, and low oil adhesion.
• Challenges include maintaining performance in diverse and demanding conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a durable, underwater oil-resistant material with enhanced superoleophobicity and mechanical properties.
• To investigate the material's performance in various challenging environments, including wear resistance.
• To establish a scalable method for producing long-lasting functional interfacial materials.

Main Methods:

• Utilized gel casting to fabricate aluminum oxide (Al2O3) based ceramic materials.
• Characterized the surface morphology, revealing micro/nanoceramic particle distribution.
• Evaluated underwater superoleophobicity, oil adhesion, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent underwater superoleophobicity (contact angle ~160°) and low oil adhesion (<4 μN).
• The material demonstrated robust ceramic characteristics: anti-acid/alkali, high salt resistance, and high load tolerance.
• The superoleophobic property was retained even after wear, due to the self-similar surface regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The developed Al2O3 material offers a promising solution for robust underwater oil-repellent applications.
• The gel casting method is scalable for mass production of durable functional interfacial materials.
• The material's resilience and performance in harsh conditions pave the way for practical, long-lasting devices.