Wetting of structured surfaces with switchable topography and mechanical properties

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The interaction of liquids with structured surfaces can have different character - either topography can determine wetting if the surface structures are hard, or topography affects wetting and the droplet shape affects the surface topography if the elastic forces and surface tension are comparable with each other. Depending on the size of surface structures and their elastic modulus, either surfaces tension or elastic force can dominate – this transition from domination of elastic force to counteraction of elastic and surface tension force was studied in the first funding period. In particular, we developed a method for fabrication of surface structures with the shape of lamellae with high aspect ratio from polymers with switchable mechanical properties and shape memory behavior. Surface structures either could or could not adapt to the droplet shape depending on the state of the polymer, and we demonstrated that the wetting properties depend on the deformability of the surface structures. In the second funding period, we will make a step forward and develop new method for fabrication of structured surfaces with actively switchable topography and will investigate how counteraction of elastic force and surface tension will affect switching of topography and switching of wetting behavior. Advanced combination of 3D-printing and electrospinning – melt electrowriting will be used to print complex structures using reversibly swelling and two-way shape memory polymers. We will also develop new methodology for acquiring 3D shape of droplet and will use it for studying of wetting on surfaces with switchable topography. The experimental results obtained in this project will be validated by models developed in cooperation with other members of SPP 2171.