ABSTRACT
Self-lubricating gels (SLUGs), artificially mimicking antifouling/ self-cleaning functionalities of a slug’s body, were successfully prepared via a simple cross-linking of polydimethylsiloxane in the presence of several organic liquids. Due to the syneresis of the organogels, a thin and uniform liquid layer was formed on the topmost SLUG surfaces under the proper conditions. When the appropriate organic liquids were selected, the SLUG surfaces showed unusual dynamic dewetting behavior toward various viscous emulsions, spontaneous formation/regeneration of superhydrophobicity and thermoresponsive anti-icing/snow properties. The formation of functional coatings that exhibit outstanding surface properties, such as superwettability and low friction/ adhesion. Typically, SLUGs can be prepared by finely tuning the ratios of organic liquid phases, mobile, reactive/unreactive, and non-cross-linked components in gel matrices, to a solid phase. Such physical properties were expected to prevent cracking, even after the reduction in volume caused by syneresis.
