Investigating the Effects of Lubricant Infusion Methods on Polymer SLIPS.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Bioinspired Materials

Background:

• Slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) offer unique self-healing and droplet-repelling properties.
• Advancements in SLIPSs focus on surface texturing and lubricant selection.
• Lubricant infusion methods for SLIPSs remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different external force-based infusion methods on SLIPS performance.
• To compare ultrasonication, vacuum, and hydrostatic pressure infusion techniques.
• To optimize SLIPS fabrication for enhanced wettability, slipperiness, and durability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanostructured polypropylene surfaces via hot embossing and laser micromachining.
• Infusion of silicone oil using ultrasonication, vacuum, and hydrostatic pressure.
• Analysis of wettability (contact angle hysteresis) and slipperiness (critical tilt angle, sliding velocity).
• Durability testing through repeated droplet impacts.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonication infusion yielded superior SLIPS with a contact angle hysteresis of 13° and a critical tilt angle of 18.3°.
• Sonicated SLIPS exhibited a sliding velocity of 1.66 mm/s, significantly better than drip-infused controls (0.23 mm/s).
• Ultrasonication proved most effective for nanoscale textures on polypropylene and stainless steel, enhancing slipperiness.

Conclusions:

• External forces applied during lubricant infusion, particularly ultrasonication, significantly improve SLIPS performance.
• Ultrasonication is a promising method for fabricating highly effective SLIPS with enhanced durability and slipperiness.
• Further research into force-driven infusion mechanisms is warranted to fully understand SLIPS optimization.