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.

<ol>
	<li>Valentine, A. D., 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=Hybrid+3D+printing+of+soft+electronics.">Hybrid 3D printing of soft electronics.</a> Advanced Materials. 29 (40), 1703817 (2017).</li><li>Liang, K., Carmone, S., Brambilla, D., Leroux, J. -. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+printing+of+a+wearable+personalized+oral+delivery+device:+A+first-in-human+study.">3D printing of a wearable personalized oral delivery device: A first-in-human study.</a> Science Advances. 4 (5), (2018).</li><li>Joshi, S. C., Sheikh, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+printing+in+aerospace+and+its+long-term+sustainability.">3D printing in aerospace and its long-term sustainability.</a> Virtual and Physical Prototyping. 10 (4), 175-185 (2015).</li><li>Wang, S., 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=Paper-based+chemiluminescence+ELISA:+Lab-on-paper+based+on+chitosan+modified+paper+device+and+wax-screen-printing.">Paper-based chemiluminescence ELISA: Lab-on-paper based on chitosan modified paper device and wax-screen-printing.</a> Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 31 (1), 212-218 (2012).</li><li>Vohra, V., 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=Low-cost+and+green+fabrication+of+polymer+electronic+devices+by+push-coating+of+the+polymer+active+layers.">Low-cost and green fabrication of polymer electronic devices by push-coating of the polymer active layers.</a> ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces. 9 (30), 25434-25444 (2017).</li><li>Sch&#252;ffelgen, P., 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=Selective+area+growth+and+stencil+lithography+for+in+situ+fabricated+quantum+devices.">Selective area growth and stencil lithography for in situ fabricated quantum devices.</a> Nature Nanotechnology. 14 (9), 825-831 (2019).</li><li>Karim, N., Afroj, S., Tan, S., Novoselov, K. S., Yeates, S. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=All+inkjet-printed+graphene-silver+composite+ink+on+textiles+for+highly+conductive+wearable+electronics+applications.">All inkjet-printed graphene-silver composite ink on textiles for highly conductive wearable electronics applications.</a> Scientific Reports. 9 (1), 8035 (2019).</li><li>Singh, M., Haverinen, H. M., Dhagat, P., Jabbour, G. E. <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-Process+and+its+applications.">Inkjet printing-Process and its applications.</a> Advanced Materials. 22 (6), 673-685 (2010).</li><li>An, B., 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=Three-dimensional+multi-recognition+flexible+wearable+sensor+via+graphene+aerogel+printing.">Three-dimensional multi-recognition flexible wearable sensor via graphene aerogel printing.</a> Chemical Communications. 52 (73), 10948-10951 (2016).</li><li>Ko, S. H., Chung, J., Hotz, N., Nam, K. H., Grigoropoulos, C. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metal+nanoparticle+direct+inkjet+printing+for+low-temperature+3D+micro+metal+structure+fabrication.">Metal nanoparticle direct inkjet printing for low-temperature 3D micro metal structure fabrication.</a> Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering. 20 (12), 125010 (2010).</li><li>Li, J., 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=Efficient+inkjet+printing+of+graphene.">Efficient inkjet printing of graphene.</a> Advanced Materials. 25 (29), 3985-3992 (2013).</li><li>Burke, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultracapacitors:+why,+how,+where+is+the+technology.">Ultracapacitors: why, how, where is the technology.</a> Journal of Power Sources. 91 (1), 37-50 (2000).</li><li>Qorbani, M., Khajehdehi, O., Sabbah, A., 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=Ti-rich+TiO2+tubular+nanolettuces+by+electrochemical+anodization+for+all-solid-state+high-rate+supercapacitor+devices.">Ti-rich TiO2 tubular nanolettuces by electrochemical anodization for all-solid-state high-rate supercapacitor devices.</a> ChemSusChem. 12 (17), 4064-4073 (2019).</li><li>Areir, M., Xu, Y., Harrison, D., Fyson, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+printing+of+highly+flexible+supercapacitor+designed+for+wearable+energy+storage.">3D printing of highly flexible supercapacitor designed for wearable energy storage.</a> Materials Science and Engineering: B. 226, 29-38 (2017).</li><li>Fialkov, A. 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. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Carbon+properties+and+their+role+in+supercapacitors.">Carbon properties and their role in supercapacitors.</a> Journal of Power Sources. 157 (1), 11-27 (2006).</li><li>Egorov, V., Gulzar, U., Zhang, Y., Breen, S., O'Dwyer, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evolution+of+3D+printing+methods+and+materials+for+electrochemical+energy+storage.">Evolution of 3D printing methods and materials for electrochemical energy storage.</a> Advanced Materials. 32 (29), 2000556 (2020).</li><li>Seol, M. -. L., 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=All-printed+in-plane+supercapacitors+by+sequential+additive+manufacturing+process.">All-printed in-plane supercapacitors by sequential additive manufacturing process.</a> ACS Applied Energy Materials. 3 (5), 4965-4973 (2020).</li><li>Park, S. H., Kaur, M., Yun, D., Kim, W. 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 authors have no disclosures.

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 ...

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2.6K Views.  Chung-Ang University. 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.

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

Fabrication of Nano-engineered Transparent Conducting Oxides by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, density and stoichiometry by a proper control of the plasma plume expansion dynamics. Such versatility can be exploited to produce nanostructured films from compact and dense to nanoporous characterized by a hierarchical assembly of nano-sized clusters. In particular we describe the detailed methodology to fabricate two types of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices: 1) at low O2 pressure, compact films with electrical conductivity and optical transparency close to the state of the art transparent conducting oxides (TCO) can be deposited at room temperature, to be compatible with thermally sensitive materials such as polymers used in organic photovoltaics (OPVs); 2) highly light scattering hierarchical structures resembling a forest of nano-trees are produced at higher pressures. Such structures show high Haze factor (&gt;80%) and may be exploited to enhance the light trapping capability. The method here described for AZO films can be applied to other metal oxides relevant for technological applications such as TiO2, Al2O3, WO3 and Ag4O4.

We describe the experimental method to deposit nanostructured oxide thin films by nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas. By using this method Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films, from compact to hierarchically structured as nano-tree forests, can be deposited.

Nanosecond Pulsed  Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition  of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, ...

Fabrication of VB2/Air Cells for Electrochemical Testing

A technique to investigate the properties and performance of new multi-electron metal/air battery systems is proposed and presented. A method for synthesizing nanoscopic VB2 is presented as well as step-by-step procedure for applying a zirconium oxide coating to the VB2 particles for stabilization upon discharge. The process for disassembling existing zinc/air cells is shown, in addition construction of the new working electrode to replace the conventional zinc/air cell anode with a the nanoscopic VB2 anode. Finally, discharge of the completed VB2/air battery is reported. We show that using the zinc/air cell as a test bed is useful to provide a consistent configuration to study the performance of the high-energy high capacity nanoscopic VB2 anode.

Fabrication of VB2/Air Cells for Electrochemical Testing

A protocol is presented to study multi-electron metal/air battery systems by using previous technology developed for the zinc/air cell. Electrochemical testing is then performed on fabricated batteries to evaluate performance.

A technique to investigate the properties and performance of new multi-electron metal/air battery systems is proposed and presented. A method for ...

Fabrication Process of Silicone-based Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

This contribution demonstrates the fabrication process of dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs). DETs are stretchable capacitors consisting of an elastomeric dielectric membrane sandwiched between two compliant electrodes. The large actuation strains of these transducers when used as actuators (over 300% area strain) and their soft and compliant nature has been exploited for a wide range of applications, including electrically tunable optics, haptic feedback devices, wave-energy harvesting, deformable cell-culture devices, compliant grippers, and propulsion of a bio-inspired fish-like airship. In most cases, DETs are made with a commercial proprietary acrylic elastomer and with hand-applied electrodes of carbon powder or carbon grease. This combination leads to non-reproducible and slow actuators exhibiting viscoelastic creep and a short lifetime. We present here a complete process flow for the reproducible fabrication of DETs based on thin elastomeric silicone films, including casting of thin silicone membranes, membrane release and prestretching, patterning of robust compliant electrodes, assembly and testing. The membranes are cast on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates coated with a water-soluble sacrificial layer for ease of release. The electrodes consist of carbon black particles dispersed into a silicone matrix and patterned using a stamping technique, which leads to precisely-defined compliant electrodes that present a high adhesion to the dielectric membrane on which they are applied.

This manuscript shows the fabrication process for the manufacture of dielectric elastomer soft actuators based on silicone membranes. The three key stages of production are presented in detail: blade casting of thin silicone membranes; pad printing of compliant electrodes; and the assembly of all the components.

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 ...

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 ...