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Multifunctional ferrofluid-infused surfaces with reconfigurable multiscale topography

Author

Listed:
  • Wendong Wang

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Jaakko V. I. Timonen

    (Harvard University
    Aalto University School of Science)

  • Andreas Carlson

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    University of Oslo)

  • Dirk-Michael Drotlef

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Cathy T. Zhang

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University)

  • Stefan Kolle

    (Harvard University)

  • Alison Grinthal

    (Harvard University)

  • Tak-Sing Wong

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Benjamin Hatton

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    University of Toronto)

  • Sung Hoon Kang

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Johns Hopkins University)

  • Stephen Kennedy

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    University of Rhode Island)

  • Joshua Chi

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Johns Hopkins University)

  • Robert Thomas Blough

    (Harvard University)

  • Metin Sitti

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • L. Mahadevan

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard University)

  • Joanna Aizenberg

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard University)

Abstract

Developing adaptive materials with geometries that change in response to external stimuli provides fundamental insights into the links between the physical forces involved and the resultant morphologies and creates a foundation for technologically relevant dynamic systems1,2. In particular, reconfigurable surface topography as a means to control interfacial properties3 has recently been explored using responsive gels4, shape-memory polymers5, liquid crystals6–8 and hybrid composites9–14, including magnetically active slippery surfaces12–14. However, these designs exhibit a limited range of topographical changes and thus a restricted scope of function. Here we introduce a hierarchical magneto-responsive composite surface, made by infiltrating a ferrofluid into a microstructured matrix (termed ferrofluid-containing liquid-infused porous surfaces, or FLIPS). We demonstrate various topographical reconfigurations at multiple length scales and a broad range of associated emergent behaviours. An applied magnetic-field gradient induces the movement of magnetic nanoparticles suspended in the ferrofluid, which leads to microscale flow of the ferrofluid first above and then within the microstructured surface. This redistribution changes the initially smooth surface of the ferrofluid (which is immobilized by the porous matrix through capillary forces) into various multiscale hierarchical topographies shaped by the size, arrangement and orientation of the confining microstructures in the magnetic field. We analyse the spatial and temporal dynamics of these reconfigurations theoretically and experimentally as a function of the balance between capillary and magnetic pressures15–19 and of the geometric anisotropy of the FLIPS system. Several interesting functions at three different length scales are demonstrated: self-assembly of colloidal particles at the micrometre scale; regulated flow of liquid droplets at the millimetre scale; and switchable adhesion and friction, liquid pumping and removal of biofilms at the centimetre scale. We envision that FLIPS could be used as part of integrated control systems for the manipulation and transport of matter, thermal management, microfluidics and fouling-release materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendong Wang & Jaakko V. I. Timonen & Andreas Carlson & Dirk-Michael Drotlef & Cathy T. Zhang & Stefan Kolle & Alison Grinthal & Tak-Sing Wong & Benjamin Hatton & Sung Hoon Kang & Stephen Kennedy & Jo, 2018. "Multifunctional ferrofluid-infused surfaces with reconfigurable multiscale topography," Nature, Nature, vol. 559(7712), pages 77-82, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:559:y:2018:i:7712:d:10.1038_s41586-018-0250-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0250-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Iskandar Waini & Najiyah Safwa Khashi’ie & Abdul Rahman Mohd Kasim & Nurul Amira Zainal & Khairum Bin Hamzah & Norihan Md Arifin & Ioan Pop, 2022. "Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Flow of Hybrid Ferrofluid Due to a Rotating Disk," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Jiawei Tang & Patrick Luk, 2022. "Wearable Bio-Inspired Pulsating-Flow Cooling for Live Garments Based on a Novel Design of Ferrofluid Micro-Valve," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, November.

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