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Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration

DOI: 10.3791/51512-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Fabricate 3D microfluidic networks using established techniques
  • ✓ Prepare and characterize nanocomposite formulations with various fillers
  • ✓ Infiltrate nanocomposites into porous microstructures via microfluidic control
  • ✓ Evaluate mechanical properties of 3D reinforced nanocomposite beams
Protocol

Three-dimensional (3D) microstructured composite beams are fabricated through the directed and localized infiltration of nanocomposites into 3D porous microfluidic networks. The flexibility of this manufacturing method enables the utilization of different thermosetting materials and nanofillers in order to achieve a variety of functional 3D reinforced nanocomposite macroscopic products.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~3–5 days (network fabrication, infiltration, curing, and mechanical testing)

Steps

1
Fabricate three-dimensional microfluidic networks

Create 3D porous microfluidic networks using established microfabrication or templating methods. These networks serve as scaffolds for directed nanocomposite infiltration.

▶ 02:21
2
Prepare nanocomposite resin formulations

Mix thermosetting matrices with selected nanofillers (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene) to create homogeneous nanocomposite suspensions ready for infiltration.

▶ 07:19
3
Infiltrate nanocomposites into microfluidic networks

Use controlled microfluidic flow to directionally inject nanocomposite formulations into the 3D porous networks, ensuring uniform distribution and localized reinforcement.

▶ 09:53
4
Image and mechanically test nanocomposite beams

Perform microscopy imaging to visualize infiltrated microstructures and conduct mechanical testing (compression, tensile, or flexural) to characterize the reinforced nanocomposite properties.

▶ 11:37
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