Polymeric droplet deposition and self-release forming micro parts on heterogeneous surfaces

Droplet deposition is so ubiquitous for the production of microstructures using versatile liquid-based methods such as inkjet-printing technology. One of key elements for success in the design involves the use of non-homogeneous substrates to effectively control the complex morphologies of solute deposit during evaporation. In this case, there are still few studies investigating what contours of the solid contents form as the solvents evaporate. This paper reports a droplet evaporation deposition (DED) method that improves the controllability for the curvatures of microstructures utilizing the heterogeneous substrates. Experimental and analytical results indicate that the profile curvatures of formations after droplet evaporation are subject to variation in different droplet volumes placed on structured surfaces, thus providing the capability of control over solid contours.