Abstract: Synthetic brochosomes can be prepared by disposing a monolayer of first polymer microspheres on a substrate and forming a layer of metal on the monolayer of the first polymer microspheres. A monolayer of second polymer microspheres is then disposed on the layer of metal to form a template. The second polymer microspheres are smaller than the first polymer microspheres. A brochosome material is then electrodeposited on the template. The brochosome material is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a polymer or a hybrid thereof. The first polymer microspheres and the second polymer microspheres are then removed to form a coating of synthetic brochosomes of the brochosome material on the substrate.

Abstract: All-in-one formulations for preparing repellent coatings on surfaces of substrates include (i) one or more reactive components that can form a bonded layer on a surface in which the bonded layer comprises an array of compound each compound having one end bound to a surface and an opposite end extending away from the surface; (ii) an optional catalyst; (iii) a solvent; and (iv) a lubricant. A repellent coating can be formed from such formulations on substrate surfaces by drying the formulation on the surface to substantially remove the solvent and to form a bonded layer on the surface with the lubricant stably adhered to the bonded layer. The formulations can be applied to surfaces of ceramics, glasses, metals, alloys, composites, polymers or combinations thereof such as ceramic or metal plumbing fixtures, surfaces of glass substrates including mirrors, windshields, windows, surfaces composed of one or more polymers, medical devices such as ostomy appliances, etc.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: Formulations for preparing repellent coatings on surfaces of substrates, such as medical devices, can include a non-cyclic volatile siloxane solvent such as a linear or a branched volatile alkyl (e.g., methyl) siloxane solvent and mixtures thereof. Such formulations include (i) one or more reactive components that can form a bonded layer on a surface in which the bonded layer comprises an array of compounds having one end bound to a surface and an opposite end extending away from the surface; (ii) an acid catalyst; and (iii) the non-cyclic volatile siloxane solvent. The formulation can also include (iv) a lubricant.

Abstract: Repellent coatings for solid surfaces that repeatedly are subjected to high temperatures cycles are disclosed. The repellent coatings on such surfaces are formed from a formulation having (i) one or more reactive silane or siloxane components that can form a bonded layer on the surface in which the bonded layer comprises an array of compounds each compound having one end bound to the surface and an opposite end extending away from the surface, (ii) an acid catalyst, and (iii) a solvent. A lubricant can be included in the formulation or applied on a formed bonded layer. The surface of the substrate and repellent coating thereon are subjected to a temperature of above and below 65° C. as a cycle and the cycle repeated at least twice.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: Synthetic brochosomes can be prepared by disposing a monolayer of first polymer microspheres on a substrate and forming a layer of metal on the monolayer of the first polymer microspheres. A monolayer of second polymer microspheres is then disposed on the layer of metal to form a template. The second polymer microspheres are smaller than the first polymer microspheres. A brochosome material is then electrodeposited on the template. The brochosome material is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a polymer or a hybrid thereof. The first polymer microspheres and the second polymer microspheres are then removed to form a coating of synthetic brochosomes of the brochosome material on the substrate.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: All-in-one formulations for preparing repellent coatings on surfaces of substrates include (i) one or more reactive components that can form a bonded layer on a surface in which the bonded layer comprises an array of compound each compound having one end bound to a surface and an opposite end extending away from the surface; (ii) an optional catalyst; (iii) a solvent; and (iv) a lubricant. A repellent coating can be formed from such formulations on substrate surfaces by drying the formulation on the surface to substantially remove the solvent and to form a bonded layer on the surface with the lubricant stably adhered to the bonded layer. The formulations can be applied to surfaces of ceramics, glasses, metals, alloys, composites, polymers or combinations thereof such as ceramic or metal plumbing fixtures, surfaces of glass substrates including mirrors, windshields, windows, surfaces composed of one or more polymers, medical devices such as ostomy appliances, etc.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a polymeric surface is prepared by forming a polyphenol layer on the surface, forming a silanization layer on the polyphenol layer and forming a lubricant layer entrenched over the silanization layer. The silanization layer is polymerized from a solution including: (i) a polymerizable silane or siloxane or combination thereof; (ii) a solvent; and (iii) an acid catalyst. The silanization layer comprises an array of silanes or siloxanes or a combination thereof each having ends anchored to the polyphenol layer and opposite ends extending away from the polyphenol layer.

Abstract: Synthetic brochosomes can be prepared by disposing a monolayer of first polymer microspheres on a substrate and forming a layer of metal on the monolayer of the first polymer microspheres. A monolayer of second polymer microspheres is then disposed on the layer of metal to form a template. The second polymer microspheres are smaller than the first polymer microspheres. A brochosome material is then electrodeposited on the template. The brochosome material is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a polymer or a hybrid thereof. The first polymer microspheres and the second polymer microspheres are then removed to form a coating of synthetic brochosomes of the brochosome material on the substrate.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: A substrate with a switchable surface has been developed that can rapidly switch its surface character such as between two distinct liquid-repellent modes: (1) a superhydrophobic mode and (2) a slippery mode. Such surfaces have demonstrated adaptive liquid repellency and water harvesting capabilities.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: A free standing liquid membrane is disclosed that can selectively separate objects based on the kinetic energy value of the objects such that either an object having a first kinetic energy value can pass through the free standing liquid membrane while retaining the membrane and/or an object having a second kinetic energy value is prevented from passing through the membrane while retaining the membrane. Advantageously, the free standing liquid membrane can remain intact for seconds to hours with multiple objects passing through the membrane.

Abstract: Synthetic brochosomes can be prepared by disposing a monolayer of first polymer microspheres on a substrate and forming a layer of metal on the monolayer of the first polymer microspheres. A monolayer of second polymer microspheres is then disposed on the layer of metal to form a template. The second polymer microspheres are smaller than the first polymer microspheres. A brochosome material is then electrodeposited on the template. The brochosome material is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal oxide, a polymer or a hybrid thereof. The first polymer microspheres and the second polymer microspheres are then removed to form a coating of synthetic brochosomes of the brochosome material on the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate with a switchable surface has been developed that can rapidly switch its surface character such as between two distinct liquid-repellent modes: (1) a superhydrophobic mode and (2) a slippery mode. Such surfaces have demonstrated adaptive liquid repellency and water harvesting capabilities.