Micro-nano-engineered slippery liquid-infused porous surface coating for durable non-stick bakeware

Overview

This solution introduces a micro-nano-engineered non-stick coating designed specifically for bakeware and culinary applications. The technology merges two proven bio-inspired approaches: the hierarchical micro-nano surface structures found on lotus leaves and the Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) concept. By integrating these methods, the coating delivers durable omniphobic performance that resists high temperatures, mechanical wear, and pressure while maintaining reliable non-stick functionality.

Conventional non-stick coatings frequently rely on toxic materials or lose effectiveness under varying environmental conditions, restricting their usefulness in demanding culinary environments. This coating addresses those limitations by using a silicone-based formulation embedded with hierarchical ZnO/TiO2 micro-nano structures. The result is a robust, versatile surface that enhances bakeware durability, improves scratch and pressure resistance, and supports re-lubrication to restore performance if degradation occurs over time.

Technical specifications

Core design principles:

• Lotus leaf-inspired hierarchical structure: Micro-nano surface textures create water- and oil-repellent properties
• SLIPS integration: A lubricating liquid infused into the porous structure provides a slippery, self-healing interface
• Silicone-based matrix: Offers flexibility, thermal stability, and food-safe compatibility
• Hierarchical ZnO/TiO2 structures: Reinforce mechanical strength and contribute to omniphobic behavior

Validated performance characteristics:

• Temperature resistance across repeated thermal cycling from -18°C to 120°C without loss of non-stick functionality
• Mechanical durability withstanding applied forces exceeding 500N
• Scratch resistance maintained under abrasive conditions
• Re-lubrication capability to restore non-stick properties if performance degrades

Potential applications:

• Bakeware and cookware manufacturing
• Food processing equipment surfaces
• Industrial non-stick applications requiring chemical and thermal resistance

Technology readiness level

Preliminary validations have demonstrated promising results, confirming the coating's thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and scratch resistance. The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development, with the following next steps planned: comprehensive characterization testing, harsher environmental and chemical resistance evaluations, long-term durability assessments under realistic usage scenarios, thorough toxicity and food-safety compliance testing, and development of a scale-up production plan with quality control measures. These activities are intended to advance the coating toward commercial readiness and regulatory approval for food-contact applications.