Durable hydrogel-based lubricated composite coating with remarkable underwater performances

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Tribology
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogel coatings are widely used in medical devices, water treatment, and marine applications.
• Achieving stable and durable lubrication for hydrogel materials remains a challenge for practical applications in drag reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a hydrogel coating with superior and stable lubrication properties.
• To investigate the factors influencing the lubrication performance and durability of hydrogel coatings.
• To assess the potential of the developed coating for drag reduction in industrial and medical fields.

Main Methods:

• Tribological testing was conducted to evaluate lubrication durability under long-term storage and long-distance sliding.
• The influence of load, frequency, friction pair, and temperature on lubrication performance was examined.
• Microstructure, mechanical properties, hydration extent, and robustness of the coating were characterized.
• Contact stress values were calculated using soft matter mechanics formulae.
• Anti-swelling and biocompatibility were verified.

Main Results:

• A novel route for achieving superior and stable hydrogel lubrication was established.
• The coating demonstrated excellent lubricity, unaffected by variations in load, frequency, friction pair, and temperature.
• The coating's resistance to harsh conditions is attributed to its hydration and robustness.
• Calculations confirmed the coating's performance under tribological stress.
• The hydrogel coating exhibited anti-swelling properties and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel coating offers a viable solution for superior and stable lubrication.
• This technology has significant potential for drag reduction applications in medical devices and the shipbuilding industry.
• The findings pave the way for broader adoption of hydrogel materials in demanding lubrication scenarios.