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Nanoscale fletching of liquid-like polydimethylsiloxane with single perfluorocarbons enables sustainable oil-repellency

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel Au

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jeremy R. Gauthier

    (University of Toronto)

  • Boran Kumral

    (University of Toronto)

  • Tobin Filleter

    (University of Toronto)

  • Scott Mabury

    (University of Toronto)

  • Kevin Golovin

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

Oil repellency is essential for enabling self-cleaning, anti-soiling and stain-repelling properties, which has broad application in industries liked textiles, healthcare and electronics. While per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibits strong oleophobicity, their environmental and health risks have led to prohibition on long-chain PFAS ( ≥ C8) and restriction on short-chain PFAS (C4, C6). However, there are few alternative materials demonstrating comparable oil repellency. Here, we introduce a novel method to fletch polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes with ultrashort PFAS (singe -CF3, the least toxic PFAS), achieving oil repellency similar to short-chain PFAS while drastically reducing the fluorine content. This work highlights that liquid-like molecular design, rather than chain length, can enable sustainable oil repellency, facilitating a smoother transition away from PFAS reliance.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Au & Jeremy R. Gauthier & Boran Kumral & Tobin Filleter & Scott Mabury & Kevin Golovin, 2025. "Nanoscale fletching of liquid-like polydimethylsiloxane with single perfluorocarbons enables sustainable oil-repellency," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62119-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62119-9
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