Development of super-slippery silicone-based gel coating for anti-biofouling and drag reduction.

In the face of severe global climate change, reducing energy consumption, particularly in the maritime industry, is critical. Surface friction and marine biofouling significantly impede vessels' fuel efficiency, prompting the shipbuilding industry to develop functional coatings for drag reduction and anti-biofouling. This study presents a Long-chain Entangled PDMS (LEP) gel coating that continuously restores a low-viscosity oil layer, creating an super-slippery, waterproof surface. This coating effectively prevents bacterial adhesion, maintaining a clean surface even in environments infested with red algae for 12 weeks. Its performance remains unaffected under high shear flow conditions, demonstrating sustainable slippery property. To address the lubricant depletion issues common in conventional slippery surfaces, we integrated carbon nanotubes (CNT) onto the LEP gel surface. The micro/nanoscale structures formed by the CNTs maximize capillary force and significantly improve lubricant retention. The industrial practicality of the developed surfaces is currently being assessed through long-term exposure in real marine environments. We anticipate that the LEP gel coating will excel in other engineering applications, including anti-corrosion and anti-icing.