Name: elaborate control of inkjet printer for fabrication of chip-based supercapacitors
Uploaded: 2021-11-30T13:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Elaborate Control of Inkjet Printer for Fabrication of Chip-based Supercapacitors at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (Grant number: R21XO01-24), the Competency Development Program for Industry Specialists of the Korean MOTIE operated by KIAT (No. P0012453), and the Chung-Ang University Graduate Research Scholarship 2021.

1. Design of pattern using PCB CAD program
<ol>
	<li>Run the CAD program. Click on the File button atop the program window. To form a new project file, click on the New and Project buttons.</li>
	<li>To generate the board file, click on the File, New, and Board buttons in order. Set the grid size, multiple, and alt values by clicking on the mesh-shaped Grid button at the top left of th...

<ol>
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S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Carbon+application+in+chemical+power+sources.">Carbon application in chemical power sources.</a> Russian Journal of Electrochemistry. 36 (4), 345-366 (2000).</li><li>Pandolfo, A. G., Hollenkamp, A. 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S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hierarchically+designed+electron+paths+in+3D+printed+energy+storage+devices.">Hierarchically designed electron paths in 3D printed energy storage devices.</a> Langmuir. 34 (37), 10897-10904 (2018).</li><li>Sajedi-Moghaddam, A., Rahmanian, E., Naseri, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inkjet-printing+technology+for+supercapacitor+application:+Current+state+and+perspectives.">Inkjet-printing technology for supercapacitor application: Current state and perspectives.</a> ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces. 12 (31), 34487-34504 (2020).</li><li>Komuro, N., Takaki, S., Suzuki, K., Citterio, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inkjet+printed+(bio)chemical+sensing+devices.">Inkjet printed (bio)chemical sensing devices.</a> Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 405 (17), 5785-5805 (2013).</li><li>Kim, J., Kumar, R., Bandodkar, A. J., Wang, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advanced+materials+for+printed+wearable+electrochemical+devices:+A+review.">Advanced materials for printed wearable electrochemical devices: A review.</a> Advanced Electronic Materials. 3 (1), 1600260 (2017).</li><li>Calvert, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inkjet+printing+for+materials+and+devices.">Inkjet printing for materials and devices.</a> Chemistry of Materials. 13 (10), 3299-3305 (2001).</li><li>Zhou, Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High-throughput+characterization+of+fluid+properties+to+predict+droplet+ejection+for+three-dimensional+inkjet+printing+formulations.">High-throughput characterization of fluid properties to predict droplet ejection for three-dimensional inkjet printing formulations.</a> Additive Manufacturing. 29, 100792 (2019).</li><li>Ebnesajjad, S., Ebnesajjad, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Handbook of Adhesives and Surface Preparation. , 21-30 (2011).</li></ol>

The critical steps in this protocol are involved in the software parameter setup to print the designed pattern by finely adjusting the parameter values. Customized printing can lead to structural optimization and obtaining new mechanical properties19. The inkjet printing method with software parameter control can be used for sophisticated printing in various industries by selecting the optimized material for the printing process.
In the fabrication of supercapacitors us...

In the past decades, multiple printing methods have been developed for various applications, including wearable devices1, pharmaceuticals2, and aerospace components3. The printing can be easily adapted for various devices by simply changing the materials to be used. Moreover, it prevents the wastage of raw materials. To manufacture electronic devices, several printing methods such as screen printing4, push-coating5, and lithography6 have been developed. Compared to these printing technologies, the inkjet printing method has multiple advantages, including reduced material waste, compatibility with multiple substrates7, low cost8, flexibility9, low-temperature processing10, and ease of mass production11. However, the application of the inkjet printing method has hardly been suggested for certain sophisticated devices. Here, we present a protocol establishing detailed guidelines to use the inkjet printing method for printing a supercapacitor device.
Supercapacitors, including pseudocapacitors and electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), are emerging as energy storage devices that can complement conventional lithium-ion batteries12,13. Especially, EDLC is a promising energy storage device because of its low cost, high power density, and long cycle life14. Activated carbon (AC), having high specific surface area and conductivity, is used as electrode material in commercial EDLCs15. These properties of AC allow EDLCs to have a high electrochemical capacitance16. EDLCs have the passive volume in devices when the conventional fixed-size fabrication method is used. With inkjet printing, the EDLCs can be fully integrated into the product design. Therefore, the device fabricated using the inkjet printing method is functionally better than that fabricated by existing fixed-size methodologies17. The fabrication of EDLCs using the efficient inkjet printing method maximizes the stability and longevity of EDLCs and provides a free-form factor18. The printing patterns were designed by using a PCB CAD program and converted to Gerber files. The designed patterns were printed using an inkjet printer because it has precise software-enabled control, high material throughput, and printing stability.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2&#8221; x 3&#8221; FR&#173;4 board</td>
			<td>Voltera</td>
			<td>SKU: 1000066</td>
			<td>PCB substrate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Activated carbon</td>
			<td>MTI</td>
			<td>Np-Ag-0530HT</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eagle CAD</td>
			<td>Autodesk</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>PCB CAD program</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl cellulose</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>46070</td>
			<td>48.0-49.5% (w/w) ethoxyl basis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flex 2 conductive ink</td>
			<td>Voltera</td>
			<td>SKU: 1000333</td>
			<td>Flexible Ag ink</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lithium perchlorate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>634565</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Propylene carbonate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>310328</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PVDF</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>182702</td>
			<td>average Mw ~534,000 by GPC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Smart Manager</td>
			<td>ZIVE LAB</td>
			<td>ver : 6. 6. 8. 9</td>
			<td>Electrochemical analysis program</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Super-P</td>
			<td>Hyundai</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Terpineol</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>432628</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thinky mixer</td>
			<td>Thinky</td>
			<td>ARE-310</td>
			<td>Planetary mixer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triton-X</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>X100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>V-One printer</td>
			<td>Voltera</td>
			<td>SKU: 1000329</td>
			<td>PCB printer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ZIVE SP1</td>
			<td>Wonatech</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Potentiostat device</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

elaborate control of inkjet printer for fabrication of chip-based supercapacitors

There are tremendous efforts in various fields to apply the inkjet printing method for the fabrication of wearable devices, displays, and energy storage devices. To get high-quality products, however, sophisticated operation skills are required depending on the physical properties of the ink materials. In this regard, optimizing the inkjet printing parameters is as important as developing the physical properties of the ink materials. In this study, optimization of the inkjet printing software parameters is presented for fabricating a supercapacitor. Supercapacitors are attractive energy storage systems because of their high power density, long lifespan, and various applications as power sources. Supercapacitors can be used in the Internet of Things (IoT), smartphones, wearable devices, electrical vehicles (EVs), large energy storage systems, etc. The wide range of applications demands a new method that can fabricate devices in various scales. The inkjet printing method can break through the conventional fixed-size&#160;fabrication method.

The ink was synthesized according to step 2, and the characteristics of the ink could be confirmed according to reference18. Figure 8 shows the structural properties of conductive ink and EDLC ink, as well as the rheological properties of EDLC ink reported in the previous research18. The conductive ink is well sintered to form continuous conducting paths, and the nanoscale roughness is expected to increase the contact area with the EDLC ink (<s...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Elaborate Control of Inkjet Printer for Fabrication of Chip-based Supercapacitors at JoVE.com

Elaborate Control of Inkjet Printer for Fabrication of Chip-based Supercapacitors

This paper provides a technique for manufacturing chip-based supercapacitors using an inkjet printer. Methodologies are described in detail to synthesize inks, adjust software parameters, and analyze the electrochemical results of the manufactured supercapacitor.

There are tremendous efforts in various fields to apply the inkjet printing method for the fabrication of wearable devices, displays, and energy storage ...

This protocol overcomes the existing fixed-size supercapacitor and provides a method to produce a free-form supercapacitor through precise inkjet printing. Through this protocol, the efficiency of human and material resources can be secured. Also, providing users with software control method for inkjet printers could help manufacture more precise supercapacitors.This technology provides a way to handle inkjet printers, therefore, this protocol can be used not only to produce supercapacitors, but also to produce other devices. Before designing the pattern of electrochemical double-layer capacitors, or EDLCs, start by running the CAD program. Go to the File button atop the program window and click on the New and Project buttons to form a new project file.To generate the board file, click on the File, New, and Board buttons in order. At the top left of the created board file window, click on the mesh-shaped grid button to set the grid Size, Multiple, and Alt values. Change the grid Size and Alt value from millimeters to the inch so that the inkjet printer can read the PCB CAD pattern Press Finest to make fine adjustments.Once the parameters are set, design the pattern of the current collector and EDLC line in an interdigitated form. Design the gel polymer electrolyte, or GPE, pattern and current collector pads in a rectangular form. For three types of final patterns, such as conductive line, EDLC, and GPE, set the three layers by clicking on View and Layer settings in order.Create new layers by pressing the New layer button at the bottom left of the visible layers window. In the new window of New layer, set up the Name and Color for the new layer. For visually distinguishing the layers, set the names of the three layers to current collector, EDLC, and GPE, and change the corresponding colors by clicking on the box to the right of Color.Press Line at the bottom left of the screen. To change the thickness of the line, input the value of width located at the top center in inch scale. Then, click on the main field and drag to draw a line.To edit the length of a line, right click on the line and click on properties at the bottom. In the From and To fields, input the X and Y values of the starting and ending points. For the reference point of the pattern, set the upper-left corner to 0, 0.Draw the rest of the pattern based on the information shared before. To set the drawn pattern to the desired layer, right click on the pattern and click on Properties. Then, click on Layer and choose the desired layer.Draw rectangular patterns of the current collector pad in GPE by pressing RECT at the bottom-left of the main window. Click and drag on the screen where the previously drawn pattern exists. Next, right click on the rectangular surface and click on Properties at the bottom.Input the upper-left and lower-right X, Y values of the rectangle in the From and To fields, respectively. Set the rectangle to the desired layer as mentioned earlier. Before converting the CAD file of the designed pattern into the Gerber file format, save the board file in brd format by clicking on the file and Save.After saving the file, click on the File tab at the top of the window and click on CAM Processor. To create a Gerber file of the desired layer, modify the items under the Gerber tab of the output files by deleting the sub lists, such as top copper and bottom copper by pressing the minus sign. Press plus and click on New Gerber output to create Gerber output.On the right side of the screen, set the layer name in Name and Function to Copper by pressing the gear on the right. Then, set the Layer type to Top and set Gerber layer number of the current collector, EDLC, and GPE to L1, L2, and L3 in order. In the Layers window at the bottom of the Gerber file, click on the Edit Layers at the bottom left to select each desired layer.To set the name of the output file to be created, set the Gerber filename of Output at the bottom of the window to prefix/name.gbr. Finally, click on the Save Job at the top left of the window to save the settings. Click on the Process Job at the bottom right to create a Gerber file.To set the inkjet printer software parameters, run the printer program, then click on the Print button, select Simple, and choose Flexible Conductive Ink. Upload the Gerber file of the designed pattern by clicking the Choose File button. Choose and open the Gerber file of the conductive line.Click on the Next button as indicated by the yellow box. Next fix the PCB board and mount the probe. Once done, adjust the zero point of the PCB printer through the probe by clicking on the Outline button.Move the pattern image on the screen by dragging and clicking on the Outline button. Check whether the probe moves through the desired path. Then, hit the Next tab.Click on the probe to measure the height of the substrate to check whether the substrate is flat. When the height measurement is complete, remove the probe and insert the ink cartridge into the ink dispenser and connect the nozzle of an inner-diameter of 230 micrometers to prepare the dispenser. After mounting ink dispensers for conductive line, EDLC, and GPE, print a sample pattern by pressing the Calibrate button while adjusting the parameters of each ink.Visually check the printing result and record the parameter values for each ink. Erase the sample printing pattern with a cleaning wipe moistened with ethanol before pressing the Start button to print the designed pattern of the conductive line. After printing, flip the board and cure the conductive line at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, followed by measuring the combined weight of the substrate and the conductive line.On the Start screen of the printer program, select the Aligned option, load the EDLC line pattern file, and click on the Next. Ensure the position of the conductive line is detected through two alignment points to align the pattern positions of the EDLC line and the conductive line. Then, move to a random point and check whether the location is correct.Measure the overall height of the conductive line to check the height of the dispenser nozzle above the conductive line by clicking on the Probe button. Change the software parameter values of EDLC inks. Once done, print a sample pattern to check whether the software parameter values are appropriate.Later, erase the sample printing pattern with a cleaning wipe moistened with ethanol to print the EDLC line by pressing the Start button. Perform the electrochemical measurements for the inkjet-printed supercapacitor device. Click on Apply to Ch and run the sequence file of the cyclic voltammetry test to obtain the result.Click on Apply to Ch and run the sequence file of the galvanostatic charge/discharge test to obtain the result. Click on Apply to Ch and run the sequence file of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test to get the result. The structural properties of the conductive ink and EDLC ink were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy.The conductive ink was well centered to form continuous conducting paths. All components of the ink were well dispersed, with no visible elements that could cause clogging during printing. The rheological properties of the EDLC ink were reported, and it was observed that the viscosity of the ink increased with shear time, indicating a shear-thickening behavior without any stress-induced structural extension, stretching, or rearrangement.In the study, a printed supercapacitor was obtained successfully. The print quality is considered good. if the printed pattern has fewer or no defects, with minimal surface roughness and uniform thickness.The printing results with a minimum 100 millimeters per minute feed rate showed uniform lines with no visible disconnection. The overall printing time was decreased when the feed rate was maximum at 600 millimeters per minute. Compared with the results printed with a feed rate of 500 millimeters per minute, the lines formed at 600 millimeters per minute were cut off or cracked because the dispenser moved rapidly.A feed rate of 300 milliliters per minute was optimal for a proper printing time and to prevent cracked formation. Printing results were checked for corresponding changes in the kick. All lines were disconnected when the kick was too low.However, the high pressure at a high kick created a bottleneck, resulting in nozzle clogging. At the appropriate kick value, the line did not break and the nozzle did not clog. More precise printing is possible through software parameter control, allowing many researchers to utilize inkjet printing under optimal conditions in various fields.

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This contribution demonstrates the fabrication process of dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs). DETs are stretchable capacitors consisting of an ...

Free-form Light Actuators &#8212; Fabrication and Control of Actuation in Microscopic Scale

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are smart materials capable of reversible shape-change in response to external stimuli, and have attracted researchers&#39; attention in many fields. Most of the studies focused on macroscopic LCE structures (films, fibers) and their miniaturization is still in its infancy. Recently developed lithography techniques, e.g., mask exposure and replica molding, only allow for creating 2D structures on LCE thin films. Direct laser writing (DLW) opens access to truly 3D fabrication in the microscopic scale. However, controlling the actuation topology and dynamics at the same length scale remains a challenge.
In this paper we report on a method to control the liquid crystal (LC) molecular alignment in the LCE microstructures of arbitrary three-dimensional shape. This was made possible by a combination of direct laser writing for both the LCE structures as well as for micrograting patterns inducing local LC alignment. Several types of grating patterns were used to introduce different LC alignments, which can be subsequently patterned into the LCE structures. This protocol allows one to obtain LCE microstructures with engineered alignments able to perform multiple opto-mechanical actuation, thus being capable of multiple functionalities. Applications can be foreseen in the fields of tunable photonics, micro-robotics, lab-on-chip technology and others.

Free-form Light Actuators &amp;#8212; Fabrication and Control of Actuation in Microscopic Scale

Here, we fabricate 3D polymeric micro/nano structures in which both the shape and the molecular alignment can be engineered with nanometer scale accuracy by the use of direct laser writing. Light induced deformation of several types of liquid crystalline elastomer microstructures can be controlled in the microscopic scale.

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are smart materials capable of reversible shape-change in response to external stimuli, and have attracted ...

Inkjet-printed Polyvinyl Alcohol Multilayers

Inkjet printing is a modern method for polymer processing, and in this work, we demonstrate that this technology is capable of producing polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) multilayer structures. A polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution was formulated. The intrinsic properties of the ink, such as surface tension, viscosity, pH, and time stability, were investigated. The PVOH-based ink was a neutral solution (pH 6.7) with a surface tension of 39.3 mN/m and a viscosity of 7.5 cP. The ink displayed pseudoplastic (non-Newtonian shear thinning) behavior at low shear rates, and overall, it demonstrated good time stability. The wettability of the ink on different substrates was investigated, and glass was identified as the most suitable substrate in this particular case. A proprietary 3D inkjet printer was employed to manufacture polymer multilayer structures. The morphology, surface profile, and thickness uniformity of inkjet-printed multilayers were evaluated via optical microscopy.

An inkjet printer was used to manufacture polyvinyl alcohol multilayers. Polyvinyl alcohol water-based ink was formulated, and the main physical properties were investigated.

Inkjet printing is a modern method for polymer processing, and in this work, we demonstrate that this technology is capable of producing polyvinyl alcohol ...

Gain-compensation Methodology for a Sinusoidal Scan of a Galvanometer Mirror in Proportional-Integral-Differential Control Using Pre-emphasis Techniques

Galvanometer mirrors are used for optical applications such as target tracking, drawing, and scanning control because of their high speed and accuracy. However, the responsiveness of a galvanometer mirror is limited by its inertia; hence, the gain of a galvanometer mirror is reduced when the control path is steep. In this research, we propose a method to extend the corresponding frequency using a pre-emphasis technique to compensate for the gain reduction of galvanometer mirrors in sine-wave path tracking using proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The pre-emphasis technique obtains an input value for a desired output value in advance. Applying this method to control the galvanometer mirror, the raw gain of a galvanometer mirror in each frequency and amplitude for sine-wave path tracking using a PID controller was calculated. Where PID control is not effective, maintaining a gain of 0 dB to improve the trajectory tracking accuracy, it is possible to expand the speed range in which a gain of 0 dB can be obtained without tuning the PID control parameters. However, if there is only one frequency, amplification is possible with a single pre-emphasis coefficient. Therefore, a sine wave is suitable for this technique, unlike triangular and sawtooth waves. Hence, we can adopt a pre-emphasis technique to configure the parameters in advance, and we need not prepare additional active control models and hardware. The parameters are updated immediately within the next cycle because of the open loop after the pre-emphasis coefficients are set. In other words, to regard the controller as a black box, we need to know only the input-to-output ratio, and detailed modeling is not required. This simplicity allows our system to be easily embedded in applications. Our method using the pre-emphasis technique for a motion-blur compensation system and the experiment conducted to evaluate the method are explained.

We propose a method to extend the corresponding frequency by using a pre-emphasis technique. This method compensates for the gain reduction of a galvanometer mirror in sine-wave path tracking using proportional-integral-differential control.

Galvanometer mirrors are used for optical applications such as target tracking, drawing, and scanning control because of their high speed and accuracy. ...

Fabrication of Polymer Microspheres for Optical Resonator and Laser Applications

This paper describes three methods of preparing fluorescent microspheres comprising &#960;-conjugated or non-conjugated polymers: vapor diffusion, interface precipitation, and mini-emulsion. In all methods, well-defined, micrometer-sized spheres are obtained from a self-assembling process in solution. The vapor diffusion method can result in spheres with the highest sphericity and surface smoothness, yet the types of the polymers able to form these spheres are limited. On the other hand, in the mini-emulsion method, microspheres can be made from various types of polymers, even from highly crystalline polymers with coplanar, &#960;-conjugated backbones. The photoluminescent (PL) properties from single isolated microspheres are unusual: the PL is confined inside the spheres, propagates at the circumference of the spheres via the total internal reflection at the polymer/air interface, and self-interferes to show sharp and periodic resonant PL lines. These resonating modes are so-called "whispering gallery modes" (WGMs). This work demonstrates how to measure WGM PL from single isolated spheres using the micro-photoluminescence (&#181;-PL) technique. In this technique, a focused laser beam irradiates a single microsphere, and the luminescence is detected by a spectrometer. A micromanipulation technique is then used to connect the microspheres one by one and to demonstrate the intersphere PL propagation and color conversion from coupled microspheres upon excitation at the perimeter of one sphere and detection of PL from the other microsphere. These techniques, &#181;-PL and micromanipulation, are useful for experiments on micro-optic application using polymer materials.

Protocols for the synthesis of microspheres from polymers, the manipulation of microspheres, and micro-photoluminescence measurements are presented.

This paper describes three methods of preparing fluorescent microspheres comprising &#960;-conjugated or non-conjugated polymers: vapor diffusion, ...

Study of Siphon Breaker Experiment and Simulation for a Research Reactor

Under the design conditions of a research reactor, the siphon phenomenon induced by pipe rupture can cause continuous outward flow of water. To prevent this outflow, a control device is required. A siphon breaker is a type of safety device that can be utilized to control the loss of coolant water effectively.
To analyze the characteristics of siphon breaking, a real-scale experiment was conducted. From the results of the experiment, it was found that there are several design factors that affect the siphon breaking phenomenon. Therefore, there is a need to develop a theoretical model capable of predicting and analyzing the siphon breaking phenomenon under various design conditions. Using the experimental data, it was possible to formulate a theoretical model that accurately predicts the progress and the result of the siphon breaking phenomenon. The established theoretical model is based on fluid mechanics and incorporates the Chisholm model to analyze two-phase flow. From Bernoulli&#39;s equation, the velocity, quantity, undershooting height, water level, pressure, friction coefficient, and factors related to the two-phase flow could be obtained or calculated. Moreover, to utilize the model established in this study, a siphon breaker analysis and design program was developed. The simulation program operates on the theoretical model basis and returns the result as a graph. The user can confirm the possibility of the siphon breaking by checking the shape of the graph. Furthermore, saving the entire simulation result is possible and it can be used as a resource for analyzing the real siphon breaking system.
In conclusion, the user can confirm the status of the siphon breaking and design the siphon breaker system using the program developed in this study.

The siphon breaking phenomenon was investigated experimentally and a theoretical model was proposed. A simulation program based on the theoretical model was developed and the results of the simulation program were compared with experimental results. It was concluded that the results of the simulation program matched the experimental results well.

Under the design conditions of a research reactor, the siphon phenomenon induced by pipe rupture can cause continuous outward flow of water. To prevent ...

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications

Several ways to produce superhydrophobic metal surfaces are presented in this work. Aluminum was chosen as the metal substrate due to its wide use in industry. The wettability of the produced surface was analyzed by bouncing drop experiments and the topography was analyzed by confocal microscopy. In addition, we show various methodologies to measure its durability and anti-icing properties. Superhydrophobic surfaces hold a special texture that must be preserved to keep their water-repellency. To fabricate durable surfaces, we followed two strategies to incorporate a resistant texture. The first strategy is a direct incorporation of roughness to the metal substrate by acid etching. After this surface texturization, the surface energy was decreased by silanization or fluoropolymer deposition. The second strategy is the growth of a ceria layer (after surface texturization) that should enhance the surface hardness and corrosion resistance. The surface energy was decreased with a stearic acid film.
The durability of the superhydrophobic surfaces was examined by a particle impact test, mechanical wear by lateral abrasion, and UV-ozone resistance. The anti-icing properties were explored by studying the ability to repeal subcooled water, freezing delay, and ice adhesion.

We illustrate several methodologies to produce superhydrophobic metal surfaces and to explore their durability and anti-icing properties.

Several ways to produce superhydrophobic metal surfaces are presented in this work. Aluminum was chosen as the metal substrate due to its wide use in ...

Hybrid Printing for the Fabrication of Smart Sensors

A method to combine additively manufactured substrates or foils and multilayer inkjet printing for the fabrication of sensor devices is presented. First, three substrates (acrylate, ceramics, and copper) are prepared. To determine the resulting material properties of these substrates, profilometer, contact angle, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and focused ion beam (FIB) measurements are done. The achievable printing resolution and suitable drop volume for each substrate are, then, found through the drop size tests. Then, layers of insulating and conductive ink are inkjet printed alternately to fabricate the target sensor structures. After each printing step, the respective layers are individually treated by photonic curing. The parameters used for the curing of each layer are adapted depending on the printed ink, as well as on the surface properties of the respective substrate. To confirm the resulting conductivity and to determine the quality of the printed surface, four-point probe and profilometer measurements are done. Finally, a measurement set-up and results achieved by such an all-printed sensor system are shown to demonstrate the achievable quality.

Here we present a protocol for the fabrication of inkjet-printed multilayer sensor structures on additively manufactured substrates and foil.

A method to combine additively manufactured substrates or foils and multilayer inkjet printing for the fabrication of sensor devices is presented. First, ...

Fabrication of Microscope Stage for Vertical Observation with Temperature Control Function

Samples are usually placed onto a horizontal microscope stage for microscopic observation. However, to observe the influence of gravity on a sample or study afloat behavior, it is necessary to make the microscope stage vertical. To accomplish this, a sideways inverted microscope tilted by 90&#176; has been devised. To observe samples with this microscope, sample containers such as Petri dishes or glass slides must be secured to the stage vertically. A device that can secure sample containers in place on a vertical microscope stage has been developed and is described here. Attachment of this device to the stage allows observation of sample dynamics in the vertical plane. The ability to regulate temperature using a silicone rubber heater also permits observation of temperature-dependent sample behaviors. Furthermore, the temperature data is transferred to an internet server. Temperature settings and log monitoring can be controlled remotely from a PC or smartphone.

Presented here is a protocol using a temperature-controlled microscope stage that allows a sample container to be mounted on a vertical microscope.

Samples are usually placed onto a horizontal microscope stage for microscopic observation. However, to observe the influence of gravity on a sample or ...