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Bio-Inspired Interlocking Structures for Enhancing Flexible Coatings Adhesion
Pengpeng Lu1, Xin Li2, Jingyang Xu1
1Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 27, 2024
Summary
Bio-inspired interlocking microarrays significantly enhance adhesion for flexible coatings. This novel approach improves tensile strength and corrosion resistance, offering durable solutions for challenging material interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomimetics
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Flexible protective coatings often suffer from unstable bonding in industrial settings.
- Harsh corrosive environments degrade adhesion, limiting coating lifespan.
- Heterogeneous material assembly requires robust interfacial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bio-inspired method for enhancing interfacial adhesion of flexible coatings.
- To investigate the effectiveness of interlocking microarrays in improving coating performance.
- To provide a durable bonding solution for incompatible materials.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic molding technique to create interlocking microarrays inspired by insect elytra.
- Application of microarrays to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyurethane-polyamide (PUPI) coatings.
- Testing of adhesion strength, tensile, shear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Main Results:
- Interlocking PDMS coatings showed a 270% increase in tensile adhesion and 520% in shear resistance.
- PUPI coatings with microarrays exhibited adhesion strength >10.8 MPa, unaffected by corrosion.
- Unmodified PUPI coatings lost ~80% adhesion after 30 days of immersion.
Conclusions:
- Bio-inspired interlocking structures provide a significant improvement in adhesion for flexible coatings.
- The technique enhances resistance to corrosion, cavitation, and ensures long-term adhesion retention.
- This method offers a versatile solution for bonding diverse and incompatible materials, including on curved surfaces via 3D printing.
