Porous Membranes from Sustainable Raw Materials and its Application as Slippery Surfaces

Membrane technology is a set of processes applied in various industries due to its wide range of advantages and applications. Among the numerous applications are the development of non-stick surfaces with specific properties such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-corrosion, and anti-fouling. This is where the creation of polymeric membranes inspired by different natural structures comes into play. Therefore, the main objective of this research work has been the preparation of platform membranes through a modification of the NIPS method (Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation Method). To achieve this, the preparation conditions have been optimized using a compostable polymer, PLA, and “green” solvents, and γ-Valerolactone, to meet the goals of sustainable development. These membranes have been characterized using conventional techniques (SEM, DSC, FTIR-ATR, profilometry, and contact angle). Finally, they have been infiltrated with two lubricants (castor oil and silicone oil) for their application as 3D Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (3D SLIPS), and both their performance and stability have been evaluated.