Thermo-Induced Biomimetic Switchable Slippery Interfaces with Strong Dual-Phase Adhesion via Femtosecond Laser Fabrication

Abstract

Smart surfaces with switchable adhesion have garnered significant attention in wearable devices, robotics, and biological detection. However, achieving universal switchable adhesion at both solid and liquid interfaces is still challenging. Here, we report a thermo-induced biomimetic switchable slippery interface (TBSSI) with robust solid and liquid adhesion, inspired by octopus tentacles and slippery mussels. Relying on femtosecond laser drilling on soft PDMS sheets and the infusion of phase-change paraffin, a smart surface of the TBSSI is fabricated. Liquid adhesion is achieved at room temperature, while solid adhesion is achieved through the phase transition of paraffin excited by Joule heating, exhibiting a robust adhesion strength of ≈142 kPa. Mechanical abrasion tests demonstrate the exceptional self-repairing capability and excellent retainability of the surface adhesion strength. This work should provide new insights into the designs of universal adhesive surfaces and advance related fields, such as ultrafast laser microfabrication and soft robotics.