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Published on: November 4, 2021
4D Printing of Silica Glass Microstructures Based on Capillary-Force-Assisted Assembly.
Yuan Tao1, Rui Li2, Zhaoxin Lao3
1CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
This study introduces a novel capillary-force-assisted method for four-dimensional (4D) printing of glass microstructures. This technique enables the creation of complex, hollow glass architectures previously unattainable with additive manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Microfabrication
Background:
- Four-dimensional (4D) printing allows programmed shape changes in simple structures to create complex three-dimensional (3D) architectures.
- 4D printing of glass microstructures is challenging due to glass's limited deformability and lack of reliable deformation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a capillary-force-assisted assembly approach for 4D printing of glass microstructures.
- To enable programmable morphing capabilities in fabricated glass microstructures.
- To overcome limitations in fabricating complex glass geometries using additive manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of precursor microstructures using two-photon polymerization.
- Postprinting reconfiguration of microstructures via capillary forces to form complex 3D microassemblies.
- Thermal sintering to yield transparent glass microstructures.
Main Results:
- Achieved 4D printing of glass microstructures with programmable morphing.
- Enabled fabrication of geometrically sophisticated and hollow glass microarchitectures.
- Demonstrated glass-based chiroptical metamaterials with giant chiroptical responses and enhanced stability.
- Successfully encapsulated inorganic particles within fully enclosed hollow microarchitectures.
Conclusions:
- The capillary-force-assisted assembly approach provides a scalable platform for advanced glass microfabrication.
- This method allows for the 4D printing of functional inorganic devices, including complex hollow structures.
- The developed technique expands the possibilities for creating intricate glass microdevices and metamaterials.
