Simple fabrication of anisotropic slippery lubricant-infused surface for directional transportation and anti-corrosion by metal-metal laminated composites

Abstract

Slippery lubricant-infused surfaces with anisotropy for directional transportation have been widely researched and fabricated. However, the preparation of the required surface morphology remains complex and challenging. Inspired by the laminated structure found on natural shell nacre and slippery characteristics of nepenthes, a simple and universal method was provided to fabricate anisotropic slippery lubricant-infused surface. 304/TC4 metal-metal laminated composites were prepared by diffusion bonding 304 stainless steel and TC4 titanium alloy foils. A regular micro array with grooves was obtained through simple chemical etching. The widths of grooves and bulges, as well as the depths of grooves could be adjusted as needed. After the chemical modification, the lubricant was infused into grooves to obtain anisotropic slippery lubricant-infused surfaces. The directional transportations along the grooves of water droplet in air and bubbles underwater were achieved on the fabricated surfaces. Furthermore, the achieved surfaces demonstrated outstanding performance in anti-corrosion and anti-fouling. A noteworthy advantage of using laminated composites to fabricate anisotropic slippery lubricant-infused surfaces lies in its simplicity, universality, and repeatability. Based on the previous reports about laminated composites, the structure with grooves can been obtained by simple chemical etching. This method is suitable for various materials, including metal, ceramic, carbon material, and polymers. It has great potential application in water collection, directional transportations, anti-corrosion and anti-fouling.