Process-morphology scaling relations quantify self-organization in capillary densified nanofiber arrays

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physics

Background:

• Capillary-mediated densification offers a cost-effective method for modifying nanofiber (NF) array properties and morphology.
• Existing theories struggle to predict the cellular pattern geometry formed by capillary-densified NFs.
• This limitation stems from the unexpectedly low effective axial elastic modulus (E) of NF arrays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nanofiber array effective elastic modulus and cellular pattern geometry.
• To explore the influence of NF-substrate adhesion on pattern formation.
• To establish a predictable method for patterning NF arrays for high-value applications.

Main Methods:

• Parametric experimentation on nanofiber arrays.
• Computational modeling to simulate densification and pattern formation.
• Varying NF-substrate adhesion strength.

Main Results:

• The effective axial elastic modulus (E) directly determines the width, area, and wall thickness of the cellular pattern.
• NF-substrate adhesion strength provides an additional parameter for tuning the cellular pattern.
• Experimental and modeling results align, confirming the predictive capability.

Conclusions:

• The effective elastic modulus is a critical parameter for controlling capillary-densified nanofiber array morphology.
• Adjusting NF-substrate adhesion further refines pattern geometry.
• This facile approach enables predictable patterning of nanofiber arrays for diverse applications.