Waterproof Active Paper via Laser Surface Micropatterning of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Girish Chitnis, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Babak Ziaie, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Abstract

Paper is one of the oldest and most abundant materials known to man. Recently, there has been a considerable interest in creating paper devices by combining paper with other functional materials. In this letter, we demonstrate a simple fabrication technique to create water-resistant ferro-patterns on wax paper using CO2 laser ablation. A resolution of about 100 mu m is achieved which is mostly limited by the cellulose fiber size (similar to 50 mu m) in the wax paper and can be improved by using a smaller cellulose matrix. Laser ablation results in modification of surface morphology and chemistry, leading to a change in surface energy. We also present a 2D model for ferrofluid deposition relating the size of the pattern to the amount of ferroparticles deposited on the surface. Finally, a paper gripper is presented to demonstrate advantages of our technique, which allows microscale patterning and machining in a single step.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology