Liquid-repellent infused surfaces: a review of current trends and prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33216/1998-7927-2025-291-5-64-73Keywords:
liquid-infused surfaces, wetting, anti-icing, corrosion protectionAbstract
The article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the field of liquid-infused surfaces (LIS), which represent a promising direction in the development of functional coatings with tunable wetting properties. Based on the analysis of recent literature, the key physicochemical principles underlying the formation of infused surfaces are considered, including the presence of a stable lubricant layer retained in a capillary-active porous or textured matrix, the surface energy of the solid substrate, and interfacial interaction mechanisms. The properties of liquid-infused surfaces (LIS) are compared with those of traditional superhydrophobic coatings, particularly in terms of durability, stability under aggressive conditions, as well as self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, and anti-icing performance.
The article systematizes modern approaches to the fabrication of LIS based on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic textures with subsequent infusion of chemically compatible lubricants. Special attention is paid to the use of advanced materials such as polymers, nanostructured metal oxides, and biocompatible lubricating fluids that ensure both functionality and environmental safety of the coatings. The development of adaptive surfaces capable of dynamically altering their properties in response to external stimuli—such as light, temperature, or magnetic field—is also considered. The study highlights key challenges in ensuring mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability of LIS under real-world conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles, dynamic loads, and contact with aggressive liquids.
The study analyzes the current application areas of liquid-infused surfaces in modern technical and industrial systems, including anti-icing technologies, corrosion protection, biomedical devices, membrane-based liquid separation, microfluidic components, and low-adhesion coatings. It is shown that LIS possesses significant interdisciplinary potential for implementation in energy, environmental protection, transportation, medicine, and other sectors, provided that existing technical, technological, and environmental barriers are overcome. The prospects for further development of this innovative technology are summarized in the context of materials science, applied engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.
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