Pressure-Activatable Liquid Metal Composites Flexible Sensor with Antifouling and Drag Reduction Functional Surface

Abstract

Flexible sensors produced through three-dimensional (3D) printing have exhibited promising results in the context of underwater sensing detection (for applications in navigational vehicles and human activities). However, underwater vehicles and activities such as swimming and diving are highly susceptible to drag, which can cause negative impacts such as reduced speed and increased energy consumption. Additionally, microbial adhesion can shorten the service life of these vehicles. However, natural organisms are able to circumvent such problems, with shark skin offering excellent barrier properties and ruffled papillae providing effective protection against fouling. Here, we show that a sandwich system consisting of a spraying layer, conductive elastomer composite, and encapsulation layer can be printed for multifunctional integrated underwater sensors. The modulated viscoelastic properties of liquid metal form the foundation for printing features, while its pressure-activated properties offer the potential for switchable sensors. An integrated drag reduction and antifouling layer were created by combining the shark skin surface shield scale structure with the lotus leaf surface papillae structure. A 3D-printed flexible sensor was designed using our approach to monitor attitude changes and strain in underwater environments, showcasing its capabilities. Our printed sensors can reduce biological attachment density by more than 50% and reduce underwater drag by 8.6−10.3%.

Fabrication of Poly(ionic liquid) Hydrogels Incorporating Liquid Metal Microgels for Enhanced Synergistic Antifouling Applications

“…The removal rates of both types of algae ( Porphyridium and Navicula ) were increased to 59%, showing satisfactory antialgae performance. This can be attributed to the release of Ga 3+ in the hydrogels, which can destroy the algal cells and lead to the cell’s death, , resulting in a reduction in the number of algae adhering onto the surface of the GLM@IL-Gel and further improvement of the antifouling performance. According to Figures S8d and S9h and Figure c,d, the adhesion density of the two algae on the PMPC-GLM@IL-Gel is the lowest and the agglomeration phenomenon is also significantly improved.…”

Biomimetic Slippery Surface with Exclusive Liquid-Repellent and Self-Cleaning Properties for Antifouling

“…The antifouling property of coatings also plays an essential role in judging the serving performance for unavoidable harm caused by fouling organisms to underwater devices. , In this section, the fouling resistance test of the coatings was investigated against daily inorganic liquid contamination (coffee) and organic fouling ( Chlorella ). Besides, the primarily mediation of bacteria also played a great role in marine fouling .…”