Programming Anisotropic Functionality of 3D Microdenticles by Staggered-Overlapped and Multilayered...

Area of Science:

• Biomimetics and Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Natural sharkskin possesses unique micro-architectures for drag reduction and protection.
• Conventional methods struggle to replicate the complex 3D structure and functionalities of sharkskin.
• Artificial fabrication of biomimetic surfaces with anisotropic properties remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile microfabrication technique for multilayered 3D artificial sharkskin.
• To achieve anisotropic drag reduction and mechanical robustness inspired by natural sharkskin.
• To integrate additional functionalities like electrical conductivity and Joule heating.

Main Methods:

• Magnetic actuation of polymeric composites for microfabrication.
• Chemical shape fixation using thin polymeric films.
• Coating with zinc oxide, platinum, and MXene nanosheets for mechanical and electrical properties.
• Characterization of drag reduction, mechanical integrity, and electrical resistance.

Main Results:

• Fabricated hydrophobic 3D sharkskin with anisotropic drag reduction.
• Achieved hard-on-soft multilayered structure with enhanced mechanical robustness and recovery.
• Integrated MXene nanosheets for low electrical resistance (≈5.3 Ω) and high Joule heating (≈229.9 °C).

Conclusions:

• The magnetomechanical actuation strategy offers a facile route to multifunctional microtextured surfaces.
• The artificial sharkskin demonstrates potential for applications requiring drag reduction, mechanical strength, and thermal management.
• This approach paves the way for developing advanced devices with biomimetic functionalities.