Dynamic wetting characteristics of submicron‐structured injection molded parts. Issue 7 (20th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krantz, Joshua; Caiado, Ashley; Piccolo, Leonardo; Gao, Peng; Sorgato, Marco; Lucchetta, Giovanni; Masato, Davide
• Is Part Of: Polymer engineering & science. Volume 62:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 2093
• Page End: 2101
• Publication Date: 2022-05-20
• Subjects: dynamic wetting -- femtosecond laser -- hydrophobic surface -- injection molding -- surface engineering; Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.25983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3888

Abstract

Abstract: The generation of submicron structures on plastic part surfaces can be used to modify their wetting properties allowing the creation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The modified wetting behavior can allow functionalities such as fluid collection or transport, which are critical for microfluidics. Consistent manufacturing is achieved through surface replication and process characterization. In this work, submicron structures were generated on steel mold inserts using ultrafast femtosecond laser and then replicated by micro injection molding on polypropylene and polylactic acid. Samples with Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) were fabricated using a femtosecond laser and characterized to investigate the effects of mold temperature, texture orientation, and material selection on the dynamic contact angle. The dynamic wetting functionality of the surfaces was investigated by analysis of the advancing and receding contact angles. The hysteresis obtained from the dynamic measurements provides information about the fluid/texture interaction dynamics. The experimental results show that the effects of mold temperature and drop orientation are only significant for the advancing contact angles. The large contact angle hysteresis suggests a parahydrophobic wetting behavior for the manufactured plastic parts. Abstract : The generation of Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures on the surface of an injection mold steel insert allows for the dynamic functionalization of plastic parts. The topography is replicated by the polymer melt, resulting in a parahydrophobic wetting behavior.