A review of bio-inspired fouling resistance surfaces

Abstract

Solid fouling settlement, defined as the unexpected payment of various types of solid contaminants, including ice, wax, bacteria, and protein, can result in many problems in daily life and production and cause economic and security losses. Despite many traditional methods for reducing foulant to make a more durable and efficient antifouling surface, many artificial surfaces inspired by the natural antifouling material which the environment has selected during the process of evolution, including lotus leaf, pilot whale skin, gecko feet, shark skin, and pitcher plant are developed to resist adhesion of multiple foulants in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. In this review, the mechanism of how surfaces using patterns similar to the natural antifouling surface resist fouling materials is overviewed. Various methods for fouling formation classify the hazard, properties, and characteristics of different fouling materials. The approaches typically applied in designing a surface with high fouling resistance are presented first. After interpreting the theories and models mentioned in the explanation of the fouling resistance property, the textural microstructures, the chemical and physical properties used, and applications for fouling resistance of several bio-inspired fouling resistance surfaces, and how these surfaces can be improved in the future are discussed.