Stretchable Anti-Fogging Tapes for Diverse Transparent Materials

Abstract

Surface wetting prevents surface fogging on transparent materials by facilitating filmwise condensation with specific chemistry, but suffers from material and geometry selectivity. Extreme environments associated with high humidity and mechanical loading further limit their anti-fogging persistence. Here, a stretchable anti-fogging tape (SAT) that can be applied to diverse transparent materials with varied curvatures for persistent fogging prevention is reported. The SAT consists of three synergistically combined transparent layers: i) a stretchable and tough layer with large elastic recovery, ii) an endurant anti-fogging layer insensitive to ambient humidity, and iii) a robustly and reversibly adhesive layer. The SAT maintains high total transmittance (>90%) and low diffuse transmittance (<5%) in high-humidity environments, under various modes of mechanical deformations, and over a prolonged lifetime (193 days tested so far). Two applications are demonstrated, including the SAT-adhered eyeglasses and goggles for clear fog-free vision, and the SAT-adhered condensation cover for efficient solar-powered freshwater production.