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Imparting scalephobicity with rational microtexturing of soft materials
Julian Schmid1, Tobias Armstrong1, Fabian J Dickhardt1
1Laboratory for Multiphase Thermofluidics and Surface Nanoengineering, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Science Advances
|December 20, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed advanced surfaces that resist crystallization fouling. These surfaces significantly improve microfoulant removal in flowing water, offering a 66% improvement over rigid materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Crystallization fouling is a pervasive issue in industrial and natural systems, impacting energy and water sectors.
- Current strategies for fouling resistance are limited by an incomplete understanding of microfoulant behavior in dynamic aquatic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of surface properties on microfoulant adhesion and removal.
- To develop rationally designed surfaces with enhanced intrinsic resistance to crystallization fouling.
Main Methods:
- In situ analysis of microfoulant interfacial dynamics using a micro-scanning fluid dynamic gauge.
- Characterization of surface compliance, wettability, and microtexture effects on fouling.
- Development and testing of a novel anti-fouling coating.
Main Results:
- Synergistic tuning of coating compliance, wettability, and microtexture significantly enhances microfoulant repellency.
- Demonstrated low adhesion and high removal efficiency for various microparticles and crystallites in flow.
- The developed coating achieved 98% deposit removal under shear flow, outperforming rigid substrates by 66%.
Conclusions:
- Rational surface design, integrating compliance, wettability, and microtexture, is key to overcoming crystallization fouling.
- The developed coating represents a significant advancement in anti-fouling technology for industrial applications.
