UBCO researchers create liquid-repelling substance that works on all surfaces

EurekAlert  July 15, 2020
Omniphobic–all-liquid repellent–films can repel a broad range of liquids, but the applicability of these coatings has always been limited to silicon wafers or smooth glass. Researchers in Canada have developed a facile procedure to generate an omniphobic coating on any surface, including metals, paper, ceramics, etc. The process involves depositing an ultra smooth, silicon wafer-like silica layer and then treating this layer with a highly reactive chlorosilane, which grafts polydimethylsiloxane chains onto the surface. Negligible contact angle hysteresis (≤1°) for various liquids, including ultralow surface tension oils, alcohols, and fluoro-solvents, was achieved on many different substrates regardless of their initial roughness or chemistry. The new formulation can coat and protect just about any surface, including metals, paper, ceramics and even plastics. Even under harsh exposures like UV light, acids and high temperatures, the coating maintains its resistance qualities. If the coating does become damaged it can be easily and repeatedly repaired, fully restoring the omniphobic properties to their initial state. The coating will prevent droplets or microbes from sticking to a face shield making disinfecting face shields feasible just with water rather than requiring complex disinfectant procedures…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE

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