Laser-made surface repels acids, survives 5,000 stretch cycles

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed an ultra-stretchable, superomniphobic material that repels nearly any liquid—including harsh acids, bases, and solvents—while enduring extreme deformation. Unlike traditional methods that rely on chemical spray coatings prone to delamination beyond 100% strain, this new material is fabricated using laser ablation to create microprotrusions and a rough surface texture. This laser-based approach eliminates the need for harsh solvents and maintains liquid-repellent properties even when stretched up to five times its original length and after more than 5,000 stretch-release cycles. To optimize the laser parameters—such as power, speed, and spatial frequency—the team employed machine learning, which significantly reduced trial-and-error experimentation. The process was demonstrated on a siloxane elastomer enhanced with fluorocarbon silane, resulting in a durable surface that retains superomniphobicity at 400% strain. This greener, cost-effective technique offers promising applications in fields requiring flexible, chemically resistant