Materials Science: Research on hydrophobic and other polymer properties of Biomimetic Materials

Course 17: Materials Science: Research on hydrophobic and other polymer properties of Biomimetic Materials

I. Course Description

Biomimetic materials research is a frontier in the field of materials science, aiming to design and develop new types of materials with similar properties by mimicking the structure and function in living organisms. Polymer properties refer to the characteristics of the structure, mechanical properties, thermal properties and other aspects of polymer materials. These properties directly affect the application range and properties of the materials. In this field, polymeric materials have attracted much attention due to their diverse properties and regulable structures. In the study of biomimetic materials, understanding and regulating the properties of polymer materials is crucial to achieve a function similar function to living organisms.

This course introduces and analyzes the surface properties of a variety of biological species, aiming to understand the unique surface functions associated with each biological species by studying the role of surface composition and surface texture. Subsequently, we discuss how this basic understanding can be applied to future bionic surface engineering for various applications such as antifouling-resistant fabrics, miniature robots, anti-fingerprint displays, ship resistance reduction, fog collection, and ice shedding. After the successful completion of the course, Each student should be able to: identify and describe the unique surface functions associated with multiple biological species; Explain the basic concepts of surface and interface energy, contact angle, reverse texture, layered structure, superhydrophobicity, superlipophilicity and ice resistance; Using Cassie-Baxter equation (single scale and hierarchical structure) or Wenzel equation; Determine the appropriate surface composition (material) and surface texture to achieve the desired surface function; Applying the principles learned in this course to design bionic surfaces for various applications, Such as spill-proof fabrics, drag reduction surfaces and surfaces easy to fall off ice.

II. Professor Introduction

Anish Tuteja – Tenured professor at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Professor Anish Tuteja is a tenured professor in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and leads the universitys PSI (Polymers, Surfaces, and Interfaces) program. Professor Tuteja is the inventor of superliquid coating technology, which not only promoted the development of the scientific community, but also facilitated the establishment of HygraTek, Envirashield and MPhasics, demonstrating the great potential of translating scientific research results into practical applications.

His research results caught the attention of Nature magazine and reflected its influence in the global scientific community. Professor Tutejas research has a wide range of interests, especially his remarkable achievements in renewable energy and environmental protection, including superhydrophobic surfaces, anti-ice surfaces, thin film technology, polymer nanocomposites, etc. His paper has been cited over 13,420 times, showing the high impact of his research work.

III. Syllabus

1. Surface wetting of the foundation
2. Unconventional wetting behavior of natural surfaces
3. Design method of natural superhydrophobic surfaces
4. Design methods for synthesizing superhydrophobic surfaces
5. Design method of superoil-hydrophobic surface
6. Design method of superhydrophobic surface
7. Design method of anti-ice surface
8. Bionic surfaces
9. Anti-fouling surfaces
10. Strengthen the condensed surface