Fluorogel elastomers with tunable transparency, elasticity, shape-memory, and antifouling properties

Omniphobic fluorogel elastomers were prepared by photocuring perfluorinated acrylates and a perfluoropolyether crosslinker. By tuning either the chemical composition or the temperature that control the crystallinity of the resulting polymer chains, a broad range of optical and mechanical properties of the fluorogel can be achieved. After infusing with fluorinated lubricants, the fluorogels showed excellent resistance to wetting by various liquids and anti-biofouling behavior, while maintaining cytocompatiblity. Slippery surfaces: Multifunctional fluorogel elastomers with tunable transparency, mechanics, and shape memory properties are reported. After infusing with fluorinated lubricants, the fluorogels demonstrated broad omniphobicity and antifouling against water, hydrocarbon oils, proteins, biological cells, and blood (see picture) while maintaining excellent cytocompatibility. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.