Capillary-Enhanced Biomimetic Adhesion on Icy Surfaces for High-Performance Antislip Shoe-Soles

Area of Science:

• Biomimetics
• Materials Science
• Tribology

Background:

• Slips and falls (SFs) cause significant global mortality and morbidity, with ice surfaces posing a substantial risk.
• Current anti-slip technologies often fail due to wear, clogging, or ineffectiveness on wet ice, which has a slippery quasi-liquid layer (QLL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative, durable anti-slip solution inspired by natural adhesion mechanisms.
• To address the challenge of reduced friction on wet ice surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Developed textured microcavities in silicone rubber/zirconia (SR/ZrO2) inspired by gecko and frog footpad structures.
• Investigated the surface's ability to utilize hydrophilicity-induced capillary suction to interact with the ice QLL.
• Measured capillary suction dynamics and friction coefficients on wet ice.

Main Results:

• The developed textured surfaces demonstrated rapid capillary suction within 1.5 milliseconds.
• Achieved a maximum friction coefficient of 3.46 on wet ice, significantly enhancing slip resistance.
• The surface design promotes mechanical interlocking through rapid frost formation.

Conclusions:

• The biomimetic textured surface provides a robust and durable solution for regulating ice adhesion and deadhesion.
• This approach offers a promising strategy to significantly reduce slips and falls on ice, mitigating associated healthcare costs and injuries.