Ionogel Coating for Durable Omniphobic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omniphobic coatings, such as SLIPS, suffer from durability issues due to lubricant evaporation, particularly at high temperatures, leading to a short-lasting omniphobic performance.
Innovation Solution
A coating composition comprising an ionic liquid embedded in a crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid linked to a modified substrate surface without covalent bonds, forming an ionogel, which provides superior mechanical and aesthetical properties with improved resistance to leakage and long-lasting omniphobicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solidifiable composition with crosslinked polymer is used to stabilize the liquid lubricant in SLIPS, then the lubricant loss is delayed, but the omniphobic properties are maintained only for a relatively short period due to lubricant evaporation at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the lubricant by using an ionic liquid with specific properties (low vapor pressure, high thermal stability) instead of conventional lubricants. The ionic liquid is embedded in a crosslinked polymeric matrix, creating an ionogel that maintains lubricant functionality while preventing evaporation at high temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of an ionic liquid embedded in a crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid matrix. This composite structure combines the benefits of ionic liquids (low evaporation, high stability) with the mechanical properties of crosslinked polymers, achieving both durable omniphobic properties and resistance to lubricant loss at elevated temperatures.
2Reliability
If the ionic liquid and crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid are not linked through covalent bonds, then the coating shows good compatibility and favourable interactions, but there is concern about component leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid matrix as an intermediary that physically entraps and stabilizes the ionic liquid components without requiring covalent bonding. The matrix provides a three-dimensional network structure that prevents component leakage through physical confinement and favorable interactions, maintaining both compatibility and preventing substance loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ionogel coating maintains omniphobic properties and self-cleaning performance over time without decay, offering enhanced durability and resistance to temperature-induced degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid, and an ionic liquid, wherein the crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid and the ionic liquid are not linked through covalent bonds and are forming an ionogel
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a coating composition comprising an ionic liquid, and a crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid, wherein the crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid and the ionic liquid are not linked through covalent bonds, and wherein the crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid is linked to a substrate surface. It is also provided a process for its preparation, as well as an article of manufacture at least in part coated with the coating composition as defined above.