Nanobubble-enhanced drag and fouling reduction on lubricant infused surfaces

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Lubricant-infused surfaces are increasingly used in many technologies from water collection in arid areas, hydrodynamic drag reduction over ship hulls, to antifouling and self-cleaning surfaces of sensors for automated detection in advanced manufacturing. Interfacial nanobubbles have been found to significantly enhance performance of lubricant-infused surfaces in hydrodynamic drag reduction, due to nanobubble-mediated interfacial transport. However, the current research challenge is on-demand generation of nanobubbles on lubricant-infused surfaces. By leveraging the best international expertise, the objective of this collaboration is to overcome the current challenge by establishing an innovative platform for nanobubble formation on slippery surfaces. As a pioneer on interfacial slip, the international collaborators from University of Sydney, Australia, will bring their world-class expertise to the project. This project will allow for Canadian researchers initiating the international project of a cutting-edge research topic of global importance. The collaboration will strengthen the leadership of Canada in the areas of soft matter, advanced manufacturing and technology development for Internet-of-Things. In addition to platform technology for superior performance of antifouling surfaces, the expected outcomes from the project will be development of productive and lasting international collaboration, outstanding HQP training opportunities, and joint publications in impactful journals.