• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2024, Vol. 60 ›› Issue (7): 144-173.doi: 10.3901/JME.2024.07.144

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New Progress of Responsive Solid Surfaces with Reversibly Switchable Wettability

WU Chunya1,2, SUN Ruijiang2, HOU Bo2, LI Xiguang2, WU Jiahao2, LIU Chang2, CHEN Mingjun1,2   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing Ministry of Education, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080;
    2. State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001
  • Received:2023-04-18 Revised:2023-08-25 Online:2024-04-05 Published:2024-06-07

Abstract: Responsive surfaces with reversibly switchable wettability are a kind of solid surfaces that can realize reversible conversion of static wettability or dynamic wettability through stimulus-responsive materials and/or shape-controlled microstructures. It can effectively solve the problems of traditional special wetting surfaces with single performance and fixed structure, and better meet the complex needs of basic research and engineering applications. This study focuses on development of key technologies in the subjective regulation of surface wetting properties, and reviews the characteristics, fabrication methods and application prospects of the responsive surfaces. The responsive surfaces are classified as based on surface chemical composition and microstructure according to the type of stimulation. The systematic analyses of light, temperature, pH and magnetic responsive surfaces and so forth are carried out that concentrate on the common materials, response principles, research status and characteristics. Furthermore, the basic principles, technical features and advantages/disadvantages of preparation methods are summarized based on two kinds of responsive surfaces. The potential applications with current problems in the fields of controllable oil/water separation, microdroplet/fluid manipulation, sensors and so on are also illustrated. Finally, the challenges and trends in the future development of the responsive surfaces are summarized, hoping for providing a reference for the subsequent large-scale advancement of research work on artificially responsive functional surfaces.

Key words: responsive surfaces, reversibly switchable wettability, response type, fabrication, application

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