Shape memory polymer micropatterns with switchable wetting properties

Liu, Junhao; Wei, Wanting; Cao, Feng; Zeng, Zhiyong; Qian, Kun; Chen, Hongmei; Zhang, Fenghua; Li, Wenbing

doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112057

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…42,43 Unlike the macroscopic shape changes of shape memory microfluidic chips, the functional surface of SMPs undergoes shape changes at the micro/nanoscale on its surface structures in response to external environmental triggers, thereby altering the surface wettability. [44][45][46][47] Yang et al 48 fabricated high aspect ratio microcolumn arrays on an epoxy resin surface through molding. In the upright state, the contact angle of the droplets on the microcolumn array was greater than 150°.…”

Section: Functional Surface Of Smps For Droplet Manipulation a Switch...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Shape-memory microfluidic chips for fluid and droplet manipulation

Ye,

Zhang,

2024

Biomicrofluidics

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Fluid manipulation is an important foundation of microfluidic technology. Various methods and devices have been developed for fluid control, such as electrowetting-on-dielectric-based digital microfluidic platforms, microfluidic pumps, and pneumatic valves. These devices enable precise manipulation of small volumes of fluids. However, their complexity and high cost limit the commercialization and widespread adoption of microfluidic technology. Shape memory polymers as smart materials can adjust their shape in response to external stimuli. By integrating shape memory polymers into microfluidic chips, new possibilities for expanding the application areas of microfluidic technology emerge. These shape memory polymers can serve as actuators or regulators to drive or control fluid flow in microfluidic systems, offering innovative approaches for fluid manipulation. Due to their unique properties, shape memory polymers provide a new solution for the construction of intelligent and automated microfluidic systems. Shape memory microfluidic chips are expected to be one of the future directions in the development of microfluidic technology. This article offers a summary of recent research achievements in the field of shape memory microfluidic chips for fluid and droplet manipulation and provides insights into the future development direction of shape memory microfluidic devices.

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Section: Functional Surface Of Smps For Droplet Manipulation a Switch...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Shape-memory microfluidic chips for fluid and droplet manipulation

Ye,

Zhang,

2024

Biomicrofluidics

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“…Recently, Liu et al investigated the wettability of micropatterned surfaces using a shape memory polymer, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA). [26] The group fabricated three types of EVA-based micropatterned surfaces, namely microcubes, microgrooves, and micropillars. Using a standard static tensile testing machine, the EVA-based micropatterned surfaces were stretched and recovered.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Tunable Wettability with Stretchable Microstructured Surfaces

Vu,

Nguyen,

Nguyen

et al. 2023

Adv Eng Mater

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Analyzing the wettability of stretchable microstructured surfaces is crucial in applications like soft robotics, wearable biosensors, stretchable electronics, and electronic skin (e‐skin). However, it remains unclear how stretching affects the surface free energy (SFE) of these stretchable surfaces. In this article, stretchable microstructured surfaces are designed and fabricated, enabling liquid droplets to stay on top of the surface gaps. The corresponding SFE values are quantified as a function of both micropillar geometry and strain. It is observed that stretching could significantly affect their SFE and wettability. For instance, for the microstructured surface with pillar and gap dimensions of 10 μm, increasing the strain from 0% to 50% causes a sevenfold increase in the effective SFE. Interestingly, reversible decreasing of the strain decreases SFE to its original value, suggesting that the SFE remains unchanged after a complete stretching and releasing cycle. This trend agrees with the measurement of apparent contact angle (CA) as a function of strain. The results demonstrate stretching's capacity to significantly increase the wettability of microstructured surfaces, leading to a decrease in the CA and an increase in SFE. These findings further shed light on understanding the tunable wettability of microstructured surfaces under various deformation conditions.

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