3D printing collembola cuticle inspired superhydrophobic microstructures for potential deicing application

Xiangjia Li, Yang Yang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Collembola cuticle structures demonstrated attractive and robust liquid super repellence due to the special evolved hierarchical patterns. These multiscale patterns consist of nanoscale triangle-shaped granules that are connected with microscale hexagon-shaped base structures. However, it is a challenge to reproduce such complex cuticle structures by using traditional manufacturing techniques. Here, the cuticle inspired structures were replicated via fiber-optic assisted three-dimensional photopolymerization (F3DP). This newly developed 3D printing process provided the capability to manipulate the geometry of bionic structures based on the natural cuticle structures. To enhance the liquid-repellent function, the 3D printed artificial cuticle structures were treated by the vapor phase process. The results show that the artificial cuticle structures reveal interesting properties in terms of superhydrophobicity, and the surface wettability can be modulated by controlling the height of bioinspired granules. Based on 3D printed artificial cuticle structures, a new icing protection surface was investigated. Compared with conventional methods, the 3D printed superhydrophobic surface decorated with artificial cuticle structures demonstrated promising perspectives in deicing applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2020 International Symposium on Flexible Automation, ISFA 2020
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791883617
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Event2020 International Symposium on Flexible Automation, ISFA 2020 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jul 8 2020Jul 9 2020

Publication series

Name2020 International Symposium on Flexible Automation, ISFA 2020

Conference

Conference2020 International Symposium on Flexible Automation, ISFA 2020
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/8/207/9/20

Keywords

  • 3D Printing
  • Collembola Cuticle
  • F3DP
  • Icing Protection
  • Superhydrophobic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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