SLIPS Coatings via Reactive Polymer Multilayers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The fabrication and functionalization of slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) on complex surfaces remain a challenge, particularly in tuning interfacial properties and manipulating fluid behaviors, which is essential for practical applications such as anti-fouling and fluid control.

Innovation Solution

The design involves infusing oils into nanoporous or microporous polymer multilayer films fabricated using reactive layer-by-layer assembly, allowing for the creation of durable SLIPS on objects of arbitrary shape and size, with chemically patterned regions that control fluid interactions and sliding behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional SLIPS fabrication methods are used, then slippery surfaces can be achieved, but the ability to tune interfacial properties and manipulate fluid behaviors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to tune interfacial propertiesVSAvoidfabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating chemically patterned regions within the polymer multilayer structure. Different polymer compositions and surface chemistries are introduced at specific locations to provide localized control over fluid interactions, enabling regions with different sliding angles and wetting properties within a single surface structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple polymer layers with distinct properties in a multilayer architecture. This includes incorporating porous polymers for liquid infusion, hydrophobic polymers for fouling resistance, and functional polymers for selective fluid manipulation, creating a composite structure that achieves tunable interfacial properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If porous surfaces are used for SLIPS, then fluid sliding is enabled, but chemical compatibility between matrix and oil must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid sliding velocityVSAvoidchemical compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the chemical composition, porosity, and surface energy of the polymer matrix to match the properties of the infused oil. This includes selecting polymers with compatible chemical groups, adjusting crosslinking density, and controlling pore size distribution to ensure stable oil retention while maintaining fluid sliding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If SLIPS are fabricated on complex surfaces, then practical applications are enabled, but fabrication and functionalization remain challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to complex surfacesVSAvoidfabrication ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by developing a multilayer fabrication approach that can be applied to diverse substrates including curved, flexible, and complex geometries. The layer-by-layer assembly process is designed to conform to various surface topographies, and the resulting SLIPS structure provides universal anti-fouling and fluid control functionality across different application contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables the fabrication of physically and chemically durable SLIPS that effectively prevent fouling by liquids, allowing for controlled fluid sliding and detection of analytes, and provides anti-fouling properties on complex surfaces, including curved and flexible substrates.

Implementation Method 1

infusion of oils into nanoporous or microporous polymer multilayer films

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

exhibits unique and robust antifouling behavior... interfaces that allow other fluids to slide off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

reactive layer-by-layer assembly such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,071,210

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

the multilayer film has a nanoscale or microscale porosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS10557044B2Slippery anti-fouling surfaces fabricated from reactive polymer multilayers

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

This invention provides slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) using nanoporous or microporous and chemically reactive polymer multilayers. This approach permits fabrication of slippery anti-fouling coatings on complex surfaces and provides new means to manipulate the mobilities of contacting aqueous fluids. The results expand the range of tools that can be used to manipulate the behaviors of SLIPS and open the door to new applications of this emerging class of soft materials.