Injection molding with laser-micromachined molds to fabricate biomimetic flow enhancing polymer parts

With this collaborative project we plan to proof that non-stick, self-emptying containers can be produced through molding the polymer with a laser-micromachined steel mold. Imparting a Nature-inspired functional microstructure through laser-machining onto metals is a well understood method developed in Prof. Kietzig’s lab. By using a laser-structured metal mold to form plastics, we will imprint the inverse pattern onto polymer surfaces through an industrial scale injection molding process. We will optimize pattern dimension, laser machining process parameters and injection molding process parameters to ensure the desired transfer of the hierarchical pattern. Further we will carry out advanced wetting studies to assess the functionality of the resulting polymer surfaces.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anne-Marie Kietzig

Student:

Yassin Etienne Vancolen

Partner:

IPL

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Program: