Fast One-Step Fabrication of Highly Regular Microscrolls with Controllable Surface Morphology

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Rolling origami offers access to 3D microstructures.
• Scalable fabrication of complex, functional 3D structures remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a straightforward, one-step fabrication method for complex 3D rolled structures.
• To enable precise control over the geometry and morphology of scrolled microstructures.
• To assess the applicability of the method to diverse functional materials.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing external mechanical stress to scroll micrometer-thick, flexible planar films.
• Achieving tubular or spiral geometry in seconds.
• Controlling scroll diameter, number of windings, and nanostructured surface morphology.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of complex 3D rolled structures with well-defined geometry.
• Demonstrated control over key structural parameters (diameter, windings, surface morphology).
• Method validated for a wide range of functional materials.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a scalable and efficient approach for fabricating complex 3D microstructures.
• These 3D structures hold significant promise for applications in sensors, actuators, microrobotics, energy storage, and electronics.