Liquidinfused

Liquid-infused surfaces are a class of materials formed by infusing a lubricating liquid into a textured or porous solid substrate to create a smooth, slippery interface. Inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, these surfaces are designed to repel or reduce adhesion of contacting liquids and contaminants, offering anti-fouling, anti-icing, and easy-cleaning properties in various contexts.

The mechanism relies on a nonvolatile, immiscible lubricant that wets the substrate and forms a continuous lubricating layer. The solid’s micro- or nano-scale roughness traps the lubricant through capillary forces, producing a stable interface that remains continuous under small deformations. This results in low contact angle hysteresis, so droplets can roll or slide off with little tilt. The performance depends on the compatibility between the substrate, lubricant, and contacting liquids, as well as the stability of the infused layer across temperature changes and exposure to chemicals.

Fabrication typically involves creating a textured or porous surface and then infusing it with the chosen lubricant. Techniques include chemical etching, templating, or additive manufacturing to achieve the desired roughness, followed by immersion, capillary infusion, or coating to saturate the structure with lubricant. The lubricant must be immiscible with external liquids and resistant to dewetting under operating conditions.

Applications cover anti-fouling and anti-adhesion coatings for marine and medical devices, anti-icing and condensation control on aircraft and windshields, and components in microfluidic or heat-transfer systems. Advantages include reduced drag, easier cleaning, and potential durability in some scenarios. Limitations involve lubricant depletion due to shear or evaporation, environmental and compatibility concerns, and challenges in maintaining long-term performance under harsh conditions.