Three-dimensional conformal coatings through the entrapment of polymer membrane precursors.
We report a technique to coat polymers onto 3D surfaces distinct from traditional spray, spin, or dip coating. In our technique, the surface of a template structure composed of poly(lactic acid) swells and entraps a soluble polymer precursor. Once entrapped, the precursor is cured, resulting in a thin, conformal membrane. The thickness of each coating depends on the coating solution composition, residence time, and template size. Thicknesses ranged from 400 nm to 4 μm within the experimental conditions we explored. The coating method was compatible with a range of polymers. Complicated 3D structures and microstructures of 10 μm thickness and separation were coated using this technique. The templates can also be selectively removed, leaving behind a hollow membrane structure in the shape of the original printed, extruded, or microporous template structures. This technique may be useful in applications that benefit from three-dimensional membrane topologies, including catalysis, separations, and potentially tissue engineering.
Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Physics and Astronomy, and §Rapid Tech, University of California , Irvine, California 92697, United States.
Du T
du T
Nguyen
Maya
M
Kleiman
Keun Ah
KA
Ryu
Stanley
S
Hiew
Kyle
K
Brubaker
Rafik
R
Mughnetsyan
Richard
R
Truong
Benjamin
B
Dolan
Edward
E
Tackett
Aaron P
AP
Esser-Kahn
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); C013830:baysilon