Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, antifouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.

The present disclosure describes a strategy to create self-healing, slippery self-lubricating polymers. Lubricating liquids with affinities to polymers can be utilized to get absorbed within the polymer and form a lubricant layer (of the lubricating liquid) on the polymer. The lubricant layer can repel a wide range of materials, including simple and complex fluids (water, hydrocarbons, crude oil and bodily fluids), restore liquid-repellency after physical damage, and resist ice, microorganisms and insects adhesion. Some exemplary applications where self-lubricating polymers will be useful include energy-efficient, friction-reduction fluid handling and transportation, medical devices, anti-icing, optical sensing, and as self-cleaning, and anti-fouling materials operating in extreme environments.

A smudge-resistant composite, comprising: a layer of polymer having embedded therein and extending therefrom at least one of: a plurality of stringed nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, or carbon nanowires. A method of forming a smudge-resistant composite, comprising: disposing, on a substrate, a layer comprising a thermoplastic photoresist or a thermoplastic polymer; and incorporating into the layer a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles comprising at least one of stringed nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires, such that the nanoparticles are partially embedded in and extend from the layer.

A smudge-resistant composite, comprising: a layer of polymer having embedded therein and extending therefrom at least one of: a plurality of stringed nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, or carbon nanowires. A method of forming a smudge-resistant composite, comprising: disposing, on a substrate, a layer comprising a thermoplastic photoresist or a thermoplastic polymer; and incorporating into the layer a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles comprising at least one of stringed nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires, such that the nanoparticles are partially embedded in and extend from the layer.

A self-cleaning device and methods relating thereto can include a base, a plurality of channels formed in a first surface of the base, where the plurality of channels divide the first surface of the base into a plurality of sections, a plurality of cavities formed within the base, where each cavity of the plurality of cavities are disposed adjacent a corresponding section of the plurality of sections, and one or more capillary channels formed between the first surface of the base on the corresponding section and the corresponding cavity.

A method of producing a nanocomposite film includes generating a bilayer film including at least a first layer of at least one nanoparticle and a second layer of at least one material and annealing the bilayer film. A uniform nanocomposite film includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles form at least 60% by volume of the polymer nanocomposite film.

A method of producing a nanocomposite film includes generating a bilayer film including at least a first layer of at least one nanoparticle and a second layer of at least one material and annealing the bilayer film. A uniform nanocomposite film includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles form at least 60% by volume of the polymer nanocomposite film.

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Active superhydrophobic surface structures are actively-controlled surface structures exhibiting a superhydrophobic state and an ordinary state. Active superhydrophobic surface structures comprise an outer elastomeric covering defining an exposed surface, a controlled group of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators at least covered by the elastomeric covering, and, a controlled region of the exposed surface corresponding to the controlled group. The controlled region has a superhydrophobic state in which the controlled region is textured. The controlled region also has an ordinary state in which the controlled region is smooth (i.e., less textured than in the superhydrophobic state). Active superhydrophobic surface structures may be part of an apparatus that includes a controller and/or one or more sensors. The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active superhydrophobic surface is actively controlled.