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On-demand self-healing superhydrophilic coating redefines underwater adhesion
A novel biomimetic coating integrates on-demand adhesion, self-healing properties, and underwater superoleophobicity, offering innovative solutions for advanced surface engineering in challenging aquatic environments.
Achieving high-performance coatings for underwater applications demands a balance of strong adhesion, oil repellence, and durability in harsh environments. A recent study introduces a breakthrough on-demand adhesion, self-healing superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic coating (EDPE) that addresses these challenges. Inspired by the temperature-responsive mechanisms of tardigrades and the superhydrophilic properties of fish mucus, the EDPE coating offers a multi-level biomimetic structure with remarkable functionality.
The EDPE coating demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining structural integrity and underwater superoleophobicity after 160 friction cycles and exposure to extreme aquatic conditions (pH 2, pH 12, and artificial seawater). Its self-healing ability ensures the restoration of its underwater oil-repellent properties, even in complex environments. In addition, the coating supports repeatable, on-demand adhesion on various materials, showcasing excellent resistance to external forces and environmental fluctuations.
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Advanced antifouling and drag-reduction capabilities
Beyond adhesion and durability, the EDPE coating exhibited significant antifouling, drag-reduction, and antibacterial properties. Molecular simulations revealed the strong adhesion mechanism of Ly-1, while the antibacterial properties were experimentally validated. These multifunctional attributes make the EDPE coating particularly suited for industrial applications, where scalable manufacturing and advanced surface engineering solutions are critical.
This innovative approach to designing self-healing superhydrophilic coatings offers not only economic and environmental benefits but also opens pathways for versatile applications in marine, medical, and industrial sectors requiring high-performance underwater coatings.
Source: Zhang, F. et al., On-demand underwater adhesion and self-healing superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic coating. Progress in Organic Coatings, 213, 109978 (2026).
