Fluid Spreading on Micro-Patterned Surfaces
EMSL Project ID
30432
Abstract
It is well known that surface micro-texture (e.g., roughness) affects the wetting properties of a solid. The goal of this project is to provide the engineering community with the means to a priori predict the effect of a specific micro-pattern on the wetting properties, and thus be able to design surfaces that are tuned to specific wetting properties.Prior (published) work has been limited to empirical characterization of liquid spreading rates. There is an inherent limitation to an empirical approach as it requires empirical quantification of a fitting parameter. For this reason, using this approach a surface cannot be pre-designed, insteada surface needs to be constructed, tested and then, if it achieves the desired results the pattern, can be used for fabrication.
We have recently developed an analytical model derived from basic principles that requires no empirical fitting parameters. The analytical model is a function of only micro-pattern geometry and fluid properties. Thus, the analytical model can be used for a-priori design of the micro-patterning necessary to achieve the desired wetting behavior. We have successfully tested the analytical model against published data for one micro-patterned surface. This new analytical model allows for a priori analysis of the wetting properties based on surface micro-pattern geometrical properties. Further testing of the model requires construction of various micro-patterned surfaces to be used for fluid spreading experiments. The EMSL facility will be used to generate the micro-patterned surfaces, and to run the experiments. In addition to engineered surfaces, the model will be tested against performance of naturally textured media, such as fractured rock.
The EMSL facility would be an important asset towards determining both the rigor as well as the limits of the new equation. Success would mean a new tool useful in development of designed/tailored surfaces to control processes relevant to engineered materials. These technologies have a broad range of applications in environmental and mass and energy transport, all which are of relevance to DOE and the nation. The project falls clearly within the goals of the EMSL program and the specific Science Theme: Science of Interfacial Phenomena.
EMSL resources required for this project include the use of the Microfabrication Laboratory, the Electron microscope (FIB/SEM), the profilometer, and the clean room. No computational support is required. We will be working with the assistance of and in collaboration with Dr. Suntharampillai Thevuthasan and Laxmikant Saraf at the EMSL.
The PI has not worked with EMSL staff nor used EMSL facilities on any previous projects.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2009-01-01
End Date
2010-01-03
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator