Bio-inspired low-friction PET surface design for complete product evacuation
A novel bio-inspired PET bottle design enhances evacuation of viscous condiments using fluorine-free hydrophobic–oleophobic nanocoatings and optimized geometry, achieving >95% evacuation efficiency while maintaining recyclability and food safety.
Overview
This innovative PET bottle design draws inspiration from lotus-leaf and pitcher-plant surfaces to significantly improve the evacuation efficiency of viscous condiments. By integrating fluorine-free hydrophobic–oleophobic nanocoatings with curvature-optimized internal geometry, the design achieves over 95% evacuation efficiency. The solution is not only effective in minimizing product residue but also aligns with recyclability standards and is safe for food contact. Its compatibility with existing stretch-blow molding lines ensures ease of adoption and scalability for manufacturers.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Bio-inspired nanocoating: Utilizes a fluorine-free hydrophobic–oleophobic coating to reduce surface energy and adhesion of viscous fluids, enhancing evacuation efficiency.
- Geometry optimization: Features micro-textured flow channels and optimized bottle curvature to facilitate gravity-driven drainage and reduce product residue.
- Scalability and compatibility: Designed to work with existing stretch-blow molding lines, ensuring minimal disruption to current manufacturing processes.
- Sustainability: The coating is recyclable and food-safe, adhering to APR/RecyClass guidelines.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology is in the material development and initial validation phase. Future steps include optimizing coating compositions, characterizing surface and flow interactions, and scaling up for prototype manufacturing and validation under commercial conditions.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.