Researchers Create Ultra-Stretchable Superomniphobic Material With Laser Ablation

Researchers at North Carolina State University report a laser-ablation process, guided by machine learning, that creates ultra-stretchable superomniphobic surfaces published in Matter. The siloxane elastomer retained liquid-repellent properties at up to 400% strain and after more than 5,000 stretch-release cycles, without solvent-based spray coatings. This greener, solvent-free method could enable durable coatings for soft robotics, wearable electronics, artificial skin, and protective textiles.