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Science/Tech See other Science/Tech Articles Title: The end of whacking the ketchup bottle is nigh! Scientists sign first deal to bring revolutionary non-stick coating to supermarket shelves The non-toxic lubricant is called Liquiglide and it was developed at MIT It creates a so-called 'liquid-impregnated surface' so ketchup slides over it These multi-layer surfaces can also be customised for other applications For example, they can be added to bottles of glue, detergent and more LiquiGlide has signed a deal with Elmers Brand Glue and Adhesives Mayonnaise brand, and a toothpaste firm are also said to have signed up The lubricant can be used on both plastic and glass containers The days of gooey toothpaste tubes, bottles of stubborn ketchup and sticky glue pots are numbered. After unveiling its super slippery LiquiGlide coating last year, a team of Massachusetts-based scientists has signed its first deal to bring the technology to supermarket shelves. Elmers Brand Glue an Adhesives is the first firm to publicly announce a deal, and there are rumours a mayonnaise brand, and toothpaste company are also on board. Scroll down for video After unveiling its slippery Liquiglide coating in a ketchup bottle last year (pictured), its inventors have signed a deal to bring the technology to supermarket shelves. Elmers Brand Glue an Adhesives is the first firm to sign up, and reports claim a mayonnaise brand, and toothpaste firm, are also on board LiquiGlide was invented at MIT and its designers call it 'the first and only permanently wet, slippery surface technology'. It is based on previous super-hydrophobic technology, but takes this a step further. A conventional super-hydrophobic surface is similar to a lotus leaf - it is a highly textured surface that creates a cushion of air for the product to sit on. But LiquiGlide replaces this 'cushion of air' with a layer of liquid. This so-called 'liquid-impregnated surface' is a multi-layer surface consisting of a customised solid texture and a liquid. The solid surface is made up of spaces that are sufficiently close to each other to contain the impregnating liquid, and the liquid is held in place to create the permanently slippery surface. As a result, the ketchup, detergent or other product slides on the liquid layer, in a so-called 'liquid-to-liquid interface'. HOW LIQUIGLIDE'S 'SUPER SLIPPERY' COATING WORKS LiquiGlide was invented at MIT and its designers call it 'the first and only permanently wet, slippery surface technology'. It is based on previous super-hydrophobic technology, but takes this a step further. A conventional super-hydrophobic surface is similar to a lotus leaf - it is a highly textured surface which creates a cushion of air for the product to sit on. But LiquiGlide replaces this 'cushion of air', or gas, with a layer of liquid. A so-called 'liquid-impregnated surface' is a multi-layer surface consisting of a customised solid texture and a liquid. The surface (illustrated) is made up of spaces that are sufficiently close to each other to contain the impregnating liquid and keep it in place The solid surface is made up of spaces that are sufficiently close to each other to contain the impregnating liquid and the liquid is held in place within the texture, creating a permanently slippery surface. As a result, the ketchup, detergent or other product slides on the liquid layer, in a so-called 'liquid-to-liquid interface'. And by changing the material used, and the structure of the coating, the researchers can also control the the speed at which liquids slide over the surface. The coating can also be made up of different materials, depending on the application. For example, when fitted inside ketchup bottles the liquid is plant-based, while other non-food stuffs can use non-edible chemicals. The firm said: 'First, we identify liquids that are compatible with the chemical and physical properties of our client’s product. 'Once we have found a suitable liquid, we select solid materials that are promising to adhere to the client’s surface and that will form a suitable porous structure. 'The porous solid entraps the liquid through capillary forces. 'These forces are sufficient to hold the liquid in place against forces greater than 50g. 'Once we have a prototype in place we create a scalable and commercially viable application process. 'The end result: A durable and high performing coating that meets all the requirements of our client.' Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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