Milionis A., Loth E., Bayer I.S.
University of Virginia, US
Keywords: 3D printing, ABS, dip-coating, superhydrophobic
Here we demonstrate a technique to fabricate three-dimensional superhydrophobic patterns. First a three-dimensional pattern was designed by 3D printing using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as printing material. A linear printing algorithm is followed for the construction of the cube. The apparent static contact angle of water on the surface (before dip coating) was measured 68° with a goniometer facing perpendicular to the printed lines of the cube. The water adhesion was high so that the water drops were remaining pinned on the surface even for 90° tilt angle. In order to render this pattern superhydrophobic, the printed pattern is immersed into polymer-particle dispersion for a few seconds and then left to dry in an oven at 80°C. After the pattern dried, the APCA was measured again and found to be 159° while the droplets were rolling off at 5°. Such an approach can be used to manufacture novel three-dimensional biotechnological and microfluidic devices where the control of surface wetting is crucial. Currently, research is in progress for incorporating our technology in more sophisticated 3D patterns and to explore different applications.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2014: MEMS, Fluidics, Bio Systems, Medical, Computational & Photonics
Published: June 15, 2014
Pages: 157 - 160
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Inkjet Design, Materials & Fabrication
ISBN: 978-1-4822-5827-1