Near-Infrared Light Responsive Surface with Switchable Wettability in Microstructure and Surface Chemistry

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Intelligent surfaces with switchable wettability are crucial for advanced applications.
• Current methods often rely on altering surface chemistry or microstructure individually.
• A dual-control approach offers enhanced functionality and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a smart surface with wettability controlled by both surface chemistry and microstructure.
• To investigate the mechanisms of wettability switching using various stimuli.
• To demonstrate the recyclability and multifunctional capabilities of the developed surface.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of smart surfaces using microcapsules containing fluorinated alkyl silane (FAS) embedded in shape memory polyurethane (SMPU).
• Stimuli-responsive control of wettability via heating, pressing, NIR irradiation, and oxygen plasma treatment.
• Characterization of surface wettability, chemical composition, and microstructural changes.

Main Results:

• Reversible and precise control of various wetting states was achieved through dual manipulation of surface chemistry and microstructure.
• Microcapsules facilitated controlled FAS release and protected it from degradation, ensuring recyclability (19 cycles for chemistry, 16 for microstructure).
• The surface demonstrated multifunctional properties, including directional liquid transport and tunable friction coefficients, even under harsh conditions.

Conclusions:

• A novel principle for designing smart surfaces with dual wettability control (chemistry and microstructure) was established.
• The developed surface exhibits excellent repeatability, stability, and multifunctionality.
• This approach provides a new pathway for creating advanced intelligent surfaces with tailored properties.