Multistimuli Responsive Liquid-Release in Dynamic Polymer Coatings for Controlling Surface Slipperiness and Optical Performance

Controllable stabilization of liquids on interfaces is emerging as a novel method to mediate surface properties. Here, the fast, stimuli-responsive liquid release from dynamic polymer coatings is described to mediate surface slipperiness and optical performance. These polymer coatings consist of a slippery liquid-locked rough surface and a liquid-supplied bottom layer storing the liquid in embedded droplets. They are prepared by a simple one-pot casting of a solution of cross-linkable polymer and silicone oil in tetrahydrofuran. It is demonstrated that upon mechano-, solvent-, or thermo-stimulation, the liquid stored in the bottom layer is released altering both surface slipperiness and optical properties of the coatings.