Antiadhesive

An antiadhesive is a material, coating, or surface property that reduces or prevents the adhesion of other substances to its surface. Antiadhesion is useful in cooking, medicine, manufacturing, and many industrial processes because sticking can cause product loss, surface damage, or postoperative complications. The effectiveness of antiadhesives depends on surface energy, chemical composition, and microstructure. Mechanisms include lowering surface energy with fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); employing lubricious silicone or wax-based coatings; and creating micro- or nano-scale textures that reduce contact or trap lubricants, as in slippery liquid-infused surfaces. Hydration layers and steric hindrance from polymer brushes are also used in certain coatings.

Common types and examples include PTFE-based non-stick coatings used in cookware and bakeware, silicone-based release coatings for disposables and tools, and waxy or resinous films for temporary antiadhesion. In medicine, antiadhesive barriers such as gelatin or hyaluronic acid–carboxymethylcellulose films and sheets are used to minimize postoperative adhesions. In manufacturing, antiadhesive agents serve as mold releases or surface coatings to prevent sticking of sheet metal, composites, paper, or textiles during processing.

Safety and environmental notes: PTFE coatings are generally stable under normal use, but high-temperature decomposition can release fumes. The production and use of fluorinated compounds have prompted regulatory scrutiny and the development of PFOA-free processes and alternative chemistries.