Underwater Superoleophobic and Transparent Films with Mechanical Robustness and High Durability in Harsh Environments

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Underwater superoleophobic and transparent (UST) films are crucial for marine optical devices.
• Existing UST films lack mechanical robustness and durability in harsh environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechanically robust and durable UST film for harsh marine environments.
• To create a nacre-inspired mineralized UST (NIM-UST) film with enhanced properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of NIM-UST films using a magnesium ion-assisted dual-side mineralization strategy.
• Characterization of film composition, mechanical properties (modulus, hardness), transparency, and underwater superoleophobicity.

Main Results:

• NIM-UST films exhibit high inorganic content (87 wt%) with 98 wt% aragonite.
• Significant increases in modulus (154%) and hardness (190%) compared to single-side films.
• Excellent underwater superoleophobicity (oil contact angle > 150°) and low oil adhesion (<4 μN) maintained in harsh conditions (high salt, high temperature, seawater immersion, sand shock).
• Transparency of 94% achieved.
• Bulk materials with high hardness and flexural strength demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed NIM-UST films offer superior mechanical robustness and durability for underwater applications.
• The magnesium ion-assisted mineralization strategy is effective for creating high-performance UST films.
• These films hold promise for next-generation structural materials and advanced optical devices in marine environments.