Science

Liquid and ice "SLIPS" off new ultra smooth surface

Liquid and ice "SLIPS" off new ultra smooth surface
Ultra smooth SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces) developed at Harvard University could be used to keep freezers frost free (Photo: Kate Sheets via Flickr)
Ultra smooth SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces) developed at Harvard University could be used to keep freezers frost free (Photo: Kate Sheets via Flickr)
View 4 Images
Ultra smooth SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces) developed at Harvard University could be used to keep freezers frost free (Photo: Kate Sheets via Flickr)
1/4
Ultra smooth SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces) developed at Harvard University could be used to keep freezers frost free (Photo: Kate Sheets via Flickr)
SLIPS self-cleaning carbon dust with a droplet of ethanol
2/4
SLIPS self-cleaning carbon dust with a droplet of ethanol
Crude oil completely wicked from SLIPS without leaving a stain
3/4
Crude oil completely wicked from SLIPS without leaving a stain
Aluminum surface with nanostructured polymer layer subsequently converted into a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS)
4/4
Aluminum surface with nanostructured polymer layer subsequently converted into a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS)
View gallery - 4 images

Although advances in refrigeration technology means we don’t need to defrost the freezer as often as we used to, many of us are still forced to carry out the task on a regular basis lest we find the frosty walls closing in to claim that tub of ice cream. Now a team from Harvard University has developed ultra smooth slippery surfaces that prevent ice sheets from developing by allowing even tiny drops of condensation or frost to simply slide off. As well as keeping freezers frost-free, the technology could be used to prevent ice build up on metal surfaces in wind turbines, marine vessels, and aircraft.

While we’ve seen the development of superhydrophobic coatings that mimic the surface of lotus leaves, the Harvard research team, led by Joanna Aizenberg, have developed a different technology called SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces). While lotus leaf-inspired surfaces mimic the tiny irregular bumps spiked with tiny hairs that give the lotus leaf its water repelling capabilities, SLIPS are molecularly flat, defect-free, liquid-repellant surfaces that are almost friction-free, letting them repel a wide range of liquids of varying surface tensions, from hydrocarbons such as crude oil and ethanol, to viscous fluids such as blood.

Crude oil completely wicked from SLIPS without leaving a stain
Crude oil completely wicked from SLIPS without leaving a stain

And unlike lotus leaf-inspired techniques, which the Harvard team says can fail in conditions of high humidity as the surfaces become coated with condensation and frost, SLIPS technology is suited to conditions of both high humidity and extreme pressure. By wicking a chemically-inert, high-density liquid coating onto roughened surfaces, the coating can be applied over a large scale on arbitrarily shaped metal surfaces.

To demonstrate the technology, the researchers tested it on refrigerator cooling fins exposed to prolonged, deep freeze conditions. They claim the technology outperformed existing “frost-free” cooling systems by completely preventing frost for much longer and more efficiently.

“Unlike lotus leaf-inspired icephobic surfaces, which fail under high humidity conditions, SLIPS-based icephobic materials, as our results suggest, can completely prevent ice formation at temperatures slightly below 0°C (32°F) while dramatically reducing ice accumulation and adhesion under deep freezing, frost-forming conditions,” said Aizenberg.

Aluminum surface with nanostructured polymer layer subsequently converted into a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS)
Aluminum surface with nanostructured polymer layer subsequently converted into a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS)

As well as significantly delaying ice build up, the team says that the technology could allow any ice buildup that does occur to be easily removed from roofs, wires, outdoor signs, and wind turbines simply by tilting, slight agitation, or even wind or vibrations.

"This new approach to icephobic materials is a truly disruptive idea that offers a way to make a transformative impact on energy and safety costs associated with ice, and we are actively working with the refrigeration and aviation industries to bring it to market," said Aizenberg.

And because SLIPS is so slippery, it also prevents proteins from adhering to a synthetic surface, meaning the technology could be used on the surfaces of medical devices, such as catheter tubes, stents, and various blood carrying tubes, to minimize blood clotting.

The team’s work is detailed in the journal ACS Nano.

Source: Harvard University

View gallery - 4 images
6 comments
6 comments
Bob Ehresman
No mention of how durable these coatings may be....
Todd Dunning
As a pilot, this is a gigantic innovation for aircraft. Most people have no idea that ice is the #2 killer in aviation. Ice buildup on control surfaces, wings and props is a constant concern when the temperature approaches the dewpoint, and often decides when and where we go.
Aviation has been looking for a better solution like this for generations. No glycol, no deicing boots...maintenance free.
Matt Rings
Would save billions in lost powerlines... now if we could only coat the tree limbs! :)
I think this is a huge step forward in preventing water-based damage to infrastructure, equipment and vehicles.
one eyed bear
this would be great for jockey's goggles, motorcycle windscreens, etc.
PimplyDykBallz
Ha ha haa... this will never work for MOST surfaces. I can't believe all the hilarious comments already suggesting this will work.
Accumulation of dirt and exposure to elements on exterior surfaces (especially an airplane wing traveling at 400 mph) will completely disable any ability this stuff has to remain slippery enough to let ice and water slide off.
What a joke.
Jay Finke
this will never work for MOST surfaces. Well they found out a orange peel surface on the bottom of a boat was more efficient than a smooth surface, if this stuff is super smooth,hard yet flexible who knows it might be the answer ?