College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-04 19:35:10
Major
Chemical Engineering
Honors Course
3470 498
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2021
Abstract
The primary objective of this research project was to gain a better understanding of surface characteristics to produce a long-lasting superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surface. In other words, when will a droplet of water remain on top of a featured surface and when does the transition occur to water filling the grooves of the surface? This research focused on how to best fabricate porous structures that would stay completely dry at all times by preventing the liquid from penetrating. In particular, we followed the behaviors of water droplets placed on top of 3-D printed featured surfaces with various geometries and surface treatments. Cylindrical pillars in a hexagonal array were 3-D printed with varying pillar diameter (D) and height (H) as well as the spacing ratio (S/D). The as printed models, models oxidized using air plasma, and models treated with hydrophobic octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) were tested. Both the as printed and plasma treated models didn’t retain water on top of the features due to their surfaces being hydrophilic, while the hydrophobic OTS treated models were able to prevent water droplets from penetrating down to the surface. The inversed features molded from the 3-D printed models using hydrophobic silicone elastomer also showed complete prevention of water drops from penetrating the features. Varying the geometry of the pillars had a significant effect in a majority of the cases across the various surface treatments on the transition. Meanwhile, the contact angle was affected by varying the pillar height but rarely by a change in diameter.
Research Sponsor
Bi-min Zhang Newby
First Reader
Roya Gitiafroz
Second Reader
Kevin Cavicchi
Honors Faculty Advisor
Bi-min Zhang Newby
Recommended Citation
Pineault, Hannah, "Wetting Transition on 3D-printed Featured Surface" (2021). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1274.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1274