Slippery shape memory polymer arrays with switchable isotropy/anisotropy and its application as a reprogrammable platform for controllable droplet motion

Recently, smart slippery surfaces have drawn considerable attention. However, to realize reversible isotropic/anisotropic sliding switching on such surfaces is still difficult. Herein, by rational fusing the features of random structures on the lotus leaf, 1D order structures on the rice leaf and lubricant trapped on the pitcher plant, a new slippery surface is prepared by infusing lubricant into the shape memory polymer arrays. On this surface, the polymer's shape memory effect enables the surface microstructure to reversibly transit between the random state and 1D ordered state, accordingly, smart switchable isotropic/anisotropic sliding can be displayed. On the basis of the smart slippery performance, reprogrammable droplet motion was further demonstrated on the surface. This research advances a novel slippery surface with convertible isotropy/anisotropy, which simultaneously opens a new avenue to realize the smart control of droplet motion.

Automated summary

A new slippery surface has been developed by infusing lubricant into shape memory polymer arrays, combining features of lotus leaf, rice leaf, and pitcher plant. The surface can transition between random and 1D ordered states, enabling smart switchable isotropic/anisotropic sliding. This advance allows for reprogrammable droplet motion on the surface, opening new possibilities in droplet control.