Microfluidic fabrication of complex-shaped microfibers by liquid template-aided multiphase microflow

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microfluidics
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Microfiber fabrication often involves complex processes.
• Controlling microfiber geometry and structure is crucial for material functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simple microfluidic approach for rapid fabrication of complex-shaped microfibers.
• To demonstrate control over microfiber structure and geometry using interfacial energy minimization and photopolymerization.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing two laminar flows of photocurable fluid and a liquid template within microfluidic channels.
• Leveraging spontaneous jet stream formation driven by interfacial energy minimization.
• Employing in situ photopolymerization for solidification and shape determination.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated complex microfibers (single/double hollow, microbelts) with high uniformity.
• Demonstrated control over microfiber shapes by manipulating spreading coefficients.
• Showcased ability to tune hollow fiber dimensions and produce asymmetric structures via flow rate control.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic approach offers a simple and effective method for producing microfibers with controllable structures and geometries.
• The prediction method based on spreading coefficients is a valuable tool for guiding microfiber design.
• This technique holds potential for fabricating diverse functional microfibrous materials.