pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S03 - Injection Molding and Micromolding
Oral Presentation
 
 

Microstructured surfaces replication with injection molding process

Pontes Antonio José (1)*, Martins Cintia S (1), Rodrigues Angela R (2)

(1) University of Minho - Guimarães - Portugal, (2) University of Minho - Guimarães - Portugal

Polymer parts with self-cleaning ability are being subject of study in several fields of application. Nature inspiration shows that exists micro-nanostructures capable of changing the surface properties and able to improve the wetting properties, optical performance and surface adhesion. For self-cleaning purposes or wetting properties, usually it is improved by mimicking like lotus leaf structure which can improve the wetting properties of the produced surface. This surface is composed by a hierarchical structure with a microscale roughness covered by a nanoscale roughness. The presence of these two-scale roughness will increase the contact angle between the surface and a water droplet. The aim of this study is to test the replication of different polymers using the injection molding process. The mold insert with the desired surface is made from steel where it was deposited a nickel shim with the desired surface structure, and it was used to evaluate the effect of the processing conditions in the surface replication. To evaluate the produced surfaces were used microscopy techniques, water contact angle measurement, abrasion and stone chip resistance.