Effects of surface morphological structure of a brown alga miyeok (Undaria pinnatifida) on sustainable drag reduction

Liquid-infused surfaces are a promising passive technique for frictional drag reduction. However, their practical application is limited by the easy depletion of the lubricant infused in the surface by external forces. Miyeok contains mucus on its surface, which induces a sustainable slippery surface under flow conditions. In this study, the effect of the surface morphological structures of miyeok on slippery characteristics was examined. The surface of miyeok has bump-like microstructures and tiny pores of mucilage gland cells with a re-entrant inlet configuration. A replica model of the miyeok surface was fabricated by adopting a molding process using polydimethylsiloxane. The miyeok replica model was dipped into a silicone oil solution to obtain a slippery surface property. The surface structures of fresh miyeok and the replica were checked by comparing their scanning electron microscopy images. A replica of a kelp surface was also fabricated by employing the same method. The heights of the surface microstructures of the miyeok replica were more uniform than those of the kelp replica. The sustainable drag reduction effect of the replica models’ surfaces was assessed by a sessile drop method. The liquid-infused miyeok replica surface (LIMRS) showed better sustainability than other surfaces. The slippery properties of the LIMRS were examined by measuring slip length and pressure drop. The drag reduction rates measured by the two methods were approximately 24% and 19%. The present results would be helpful for understanding the effects of the surface structure of natural miyeok on sustainable drag reduction and developing a biomimetic sustainable drag-reducing surface.