Preparation and Applications of Slippery Surfaces (SLIPS)

Nature has served as inspiration to research and develop new materials, as is the case of Slippery Liquid Infused Surfaces (SLIPS). The main objective of this research work has been the study and preparation of this kind of surfaces. Mixtures, made by extrusion, of vinylidene polyfluoride (PVDF) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used as the solid material. From these mixtures, films were obtained by hot pressing using two different thermal histories, quenching and annealing, and were characterized by conventional techniques (X-rays, IR, TGA, DSC, DMTA and AFM). A chemical etching was carried out over these films in order to generate a surface roughness and they were examined by different microscopy techniques (SEM, optical profilometer). Finally, the infiltration of different lubricants was carried out, evaluating the sliding of water on surfaces, in order to obtain a study of the benefits for use as SLIPS.