Bioinspired Long-Lived SLIPS for Synergistic Drag Reduction, Corrosion Protection, and Marine Antifouling

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Marine Biology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Marine infrastructure suffers from biofouling, corrosion, and drag, reducing efficiency.
• Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) show antifouling potential but face lubricant depletion and lack active chemical defense.
• The jellyfish Cyanea nozakii's dual defense of slipperiness and venom inspired a novel coating approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanocellulose-based SLIPS with enhanced lubricant retention and controlled biocide release.
• To create a durable marine coating offering long-term antifouling, corrosion inhibition, and hydrodynamic drag reduction.
• To emulate natural defense mechanisms for sustainable marine protection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of cellulose nanocrystal porous coatings with chitosan-encapsulated Econea nanocapsules.
• Infusion of coatings with epoxy-anchored amino-silicone oil to create a stable lubricating layer.
• Integration of pH-responsive biocide release for active chemical protection.

Main Results:

• The developed SLIPS demonstrated robust lubricant retention and prevented premature biocide leakage.
• Achieved up to 30% drag reduction and 95.7% corrosion inhibition in saline water.
• Showcased strong resistance to bacterial and diatom adhesion, with over 90% biofouling suppression in marine field tests after 180 days.

Conclusions:

• The bioinspired design effectively combines surface lubrication with on-demand chemical release for durable marine coatings.
• This scalable and sustainable strategy provides long-term antifouling, corrosion protection, and hydrodynamic optimization.
• The versatile approach addresses critical challenges in harsh marine environments.