Constructing a biomimetic robust bi-layered hydrophilic lubrication coating on surface of silicone elastomer

Abstract Silicone elastomers-based materials have been extensively involved in the field of biomedical devices, while their use is extremely restricted due to poor surface lubricity and inherent hydrophobicity. This paper describes a novel strategy for generating robust layered soft matter lubrication coating on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone elastomer, by entangling thick polyzwitterionic polyelectrolyte brush poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) into sub-surface initiator-embedded stiff hydrogel layer P(AAm-co-AA-co-HEMA-Br)/Fe, achieve unified low friction high load-bearing properties. Meanwhile, with controllable thickness covalently anchored PDMS adding iron powder provide catalytic sites through catalytically initiated radical polymerization (SCIRP) method provides capacity, topmost brush/hydrogel composite highly effective aqueous lubrication. Their synergy effects are capable attaining coefficient (COFs) under wide range loaded condition water environment steel ball as sliding pair. Furthermore, influence mechanical modulus performance investigated, which COF lowest only when well matches substrate. Surprisingly, modified could remain (COF < 0.05) stably after encountering 50,000 cycles 10 N load. Finally, wear characterizations prove robustness lubricating coating. work new route engineering lubricious silicon elastomer friction, considerable durability.