Surface Chemistry and Micro/Nanotexturing for Biomimetic Silicone Interfaces

Overview

This research program focuses on developing biomimetic silicone interfaces by combining replicated micro/nanoscale surface textures with chemically bonded functional layers on soft silicone/PDMS substrates. The core hypothesis is that liquid behavior on soft silicone is governed by surface chemistry, topography, and deformation during contact—and that matching surface energy alone is insufficient to reproduce skin-like interactions.

By combining controlled micro/nanotextures with covalently attached functional groups, the research aims to tune contact-line pinning, liquid redistribution, and friction under shear. The program compares physical texturing, chemical modification, and their combination to establish a practical relationship between surface design and fluid behavior, ultimately enabling silicone-based skin analogues with tailored surface interactions. Potential applications include consumer products, medical devices, and other areas where skin-like liquid handling and tactile properties are valuable.

Technical specifications

The research will prepare four surface groups on a common silicone substrate:

• Untreated surfaces (baseline reference)
• Textured surfaces with replicated micro/nanoscale geometries
• Chemically modified surfaces with covalently bonded polar and non-polar functional groups
• Hybrid surfaces combining both texture and chemistry

Texture geometry and surface functionality will be varied systematically to distinguish their individual contributions and identify useful combinations. Key technical features include:

• Covalent anchoring of functional layers to limit coating loss
• Controlled contact-line pinning and liquid redistribution
• Tunable friction and shear response
• Systematic comparison of physical, chemical, and combined modification routes

Validation will include progressively demanding rubbing, cleaning, and storage tests, with particular attention to coating adhesion, surface changes, and migration of functional groups.

Technology readiness level

This approach is at concept stage; project-specific performance has not yet been demonstrated. Planned validation includes defining representative fluids, reference surfaces, and test conditions, followed by a focused experimental design varying texture geometry and surface functionality. Promising candidates will be refined to balance liquid retention, transfer, and friction without compromising flexibility. Selected surfaces will undergo demanding durability testing, guiding a second design cycle. Deliverables will include comparative performance data, a reproducible preparation procedure, and recommendations for further development.