Bio-inspired slippery liquid-infused coatings for pfas-free packaging
Innovative coatings using porous polymer nanofibers infused with lubricating oils to create PFAS-free, water- and grease-resistant packaging for fiber-based materials. Scalable and environmentally friendly, these coatings offer a sustainable alternative to conventional barriers.
Overview
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a cutting-edge technology involving bio-inspired slippery liquid-infused coatings. These coatings utilize porous polymer nanofibers infused with lubricating oils to create a smooth, mobile interface that effectively repels water, oils, and complex fluids. The innovation aims to provide a sustainable, PFAS-free barrier solution for fiber-based foodservice packaging, preventing liquid infiltration and grease staining while maintaining packaging integrity.
Technical specifications
- Material Composition: Coatings are made from biodegradable polymers and edible food oils, ensuring environmental compatibility.
- Application Methods: Scalable spray and roll-to-roll coating techniques allow for easy application on porous substrates like paper and molded fiber.
- Barrier Performance: Forms a stable, low-adhesion interface that repels both aqueous and oily liquids without fluorinated chemistries.
- Customization: Formulations can be optimized in terms of coating thickness, lubricant selection, and the use of biodegradable or food-compatible materials.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, with demonstrated principles in laboratory settings. Future work includes adapting coatings to fiber-based substrates, conducting pilot-scale trials, and optimizing formulations for commercial application in food-contact conditions.
About University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is the state’s flagship public research university, a comprehensive institution with a large research enterprise and broad disciplinary breadth. Industry engages through shared instrumentation, pilot‑scale testbeds, and co-located core facilities that support prototyping and scale-up. An affiliated research and technology park hosts startups and corporate R&D, while integration with a major hospital system enables clinical translation; a statewide extension network connects campus advances to companies and communities across Wisconsin. Research is sustained by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD, alongside state and industry partnerships. Dedicated commercialization support—through an affiliated foundation and campus offices—provides IP management, licensing, startup mentoring, and flexible, industry-friendly agreements.
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