Hierarchical silica surfaces infused with PFPE lubricant outperformed superhydrophobic surfaces under pressure, shear, 155 days of ageing at 65°C and high-speed water jets. The multiscale structure acted as a capillary lubricant reservoir. However, PFPE is fluorinated and raises PFAS concerns, so durability does not yet equal an environmentally sustainable real-world coating.
Key findings
- SHS began highly water-repellent but deteriorated as trapped air destabilised. SLIPS remained stable across reported stress tests; multiscale capillaries retained lubricant, suppressed contact-line pinning and resisted shear failure. The “three years of rainfall” statement is an energy equivalence, not a three-year outdoor exposure.
Why this matters globally
Durable slippery surfaces may benefit anti-fouling, self-cleaning, heat exchange and fluid handling, but deployment requires lubricant-loss, contamination, abrasion, UV and life-cycle testing, ideally with fluorine-free liquids.
Thai researcher contribution
Sulaiman Hajeesaeh, Sobiroh Kariyo and Suhaimin Chehmalee of Fatoni University collaborated with Supachai Sompech of Khon Kaen University on advanced surface engineering.
Limitations to consider
The abstract does not fully report specimen counts, variability or failure thresholds. Laboratory ageing omits outdoor UV, dust, microbes, scratching and temperature cycling. PFPE creates a PFAS trade-off and no life-cycle assessment is reported.