Spontaneous wettability patterning via creasing instability
Abstract
Surfaces with patterned wettability contrast are important in many applications. Traditional fabrication methods rely on microfabrication technologies, which are generally not cost effective and are difficult to implement on curved surfaces. We show that wettability contrast can be patterned spontaneously on both flat and curved surfaces in a single step process by taking advantage of a reversible creasing instability. Moreover, the domain size, morphology, and wettability contrast can be controlled independently, yielding heterogeneous surfaces that show potential for generating high-throughput parallel microreactors and for harvesting water from humid air. This mechanical self-assembly approach can also lead to other functional materials beyond wettability patterning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 05, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1522700113
Entities
People
- Dayong Chen
- Gareth McKinley
- Robert E. Cohen
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology