Earthworm‐Inspired Rough Polymer Coatings with Self‐Replenishing Lubrication for Adaptive Friction‐Reduction and Antifouling Surfaces

Abstract Earthworms are able to pass through sticky soil without inducing stains through a self‐forming thick lubricating layer on their rough skins. To mimic this earthworm‐like lubricating capability, an attempt to create a textured structure on the surface of liquid‐releasable polymer coatings by a “breath figure” process is described herein. The resulting coatings exhibit fast and site‐specific release behavior under external triggers such as solid‐based friction. The released oil is then stabilized by the surface texture to form thick lubricating layers, reducing friction and enhancing wear resistance. Moreover, the coatings also exhibit excellent antifouling property in a sticky soil environment. Because the lubricating layer can be regenerated after consumption, the potential of this self‐replenished lubricating mechanism in preparing friction‐reduction, antiwear, and antifouling coatings used in solid‐based environments is therefore envisioned.