Printing Patterned Fine 3D Structures by Manipulating the Three Phase Contact Line

Abstract

The preparation of fi ne 3D microstructures is an attractive issue; however, it is limited at large-area fabrication process and fi neness morphology manipulation. Here, we propose a strategy to fabricate controllable 3D structures and morphologies from one single droplet via ink-jet printing. Based on the surface energy difference between the hydrophilic patterns and hydrophobic surface, the three phase contact line of a droplet contained nanoparticles is forced to pin on the patterned hydrophilic points and asymmetrically dewets on the hydrophobic surface, which leads to various morphologies. Through the regulation of pinning patterns and solution properties, the 3D morphology can be well manipulated. This strategy to control the 3D morphology of nanoparticle assembly based on hydrophilic patterns would be of great importance for fabricating controllable 3D structures.

Diffusion dominated evaporation in multicomponent lattice Boltzmann simulations

“…Evaporating fluids are ubiquitous in our daily life and in industrial processes, such as ink jet printing [1], coating [2] and particle deposition [3]. In particular for suspensions or polymer solutions, as well as fluids in confined geometries, the evaporation of individual components can induce fluid flows or a change of relative concentrations leading to changing rheological and transport properties of the constituents.…”

Photonic Crystals with an Eye Pattern Similar to Peacock Tail Feathers

“…For example, crack-free colloidal PCs with narrow stopband were achieved on the low-adhesive/superhydrophobic substrate as the three phase contact line (TCL) reduced continuously [15,16]. Pattern colloidal PCs were manufactured from the printing technique by using the pattern substrate [17]. Functional 2-D high sensing films were produced from liquid surface, and magnetic Janus colloidal PCs were created from a microfluidic approach [18][19][20].…”

Printable Functional Chips Based on Nanoparticle Assembly

“…Song's group successfully fabricated NP-assembled 3D microstructures with precision of dozens of micrometers through inkjet printing on hydrophobic and hydrophilic patterned substrates. [ 139 ] The thickness and morphology of the as-prepared structures can be easily designed and controlled by the substrate's pattern, surface tension, and concentration of the inks. Actually, 3D printing is much more cost effective compared to traditional manufacturing processes, like injection molding, because it eliminates the amount of secondary processes, i.e., casting, sanding, etc.…”