用于调控水滴形态和功能的弱结合力超疏水涂层研究

As a new particle-laden droplet system in the air environment, liquid plasticine that is featured by high transparency and adjustable shape, has attracted much attention for its special application in the area of miniature container. The preparation and modification of such complex droplet requires a tool of superhydrophobic coating with weak bonding force. However, the knowledge about this kind of coating is very limited, including the preparation, the working mechanism, and the application method. In this project, we will address these issues. First, we will study the property and working mechanism of a sol-gel SiO2 coating——the only available tool in present, by adjustment of its composition and micro structure. Based on this we will study how to fabricate the weak superhydrophobic coatings with various powders as the source materials. Next, with the aid of the above exploration, we will study the mechanism of particle transfer from the coating to the droplet surface by nanomechanics. At last, we will study how to improve and expand the methods of using this kind of coatings, and clarify the corresponding mechanisms. This project will provide new theories and techniques for the areas of superhydrophobic material and soft matter, and promote the study and application of liquid plasticine.

液体橡皮泥是一种大气环境中高度透明、形状可调的复杂液滴，作为软物质家族中新的颗粒-液滴体系，因在微型容器领域的特殊应用价值而得到了广泛关注。要制备和调控这种复杂液滴，需要一种以弱结合力为基本特征的超疏水涂层作工具，然而这种涂层的制备、作用机制和使用方法尚在初步探索阶段，本项目将围绕以上三方面问题展开研究。首先，以溶胶-凝胶法制备的SiO2超疏水薄膜——目前本领域唯一好用的工具为对象，通过调节其成分和微结构来研究其疏水性和结合力，并以此为基础，以疏水粉末为原材料研究新型弱结合力超疏水涂层的制备。其次，结合以上材料的特性探索，使用纳米力学手段研究颗粒从涂层转移到水滴表面前后的状态变化，揭示该类涂层的微观作用机制。最后，研究如何改善和拓展该类涂层工具在液体橡皮泥调控中的应用，并阐明相关机制。本项目的开展将有望为超疏水和软物质领域提供新理论和新技术，并为液体橡皮泥的研究和应用提供强有力的支持。