Optical 3D μ-printing of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microstructures

Abstract

This paper reports a novel 3D micro-printing (μ-printing) method for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microstructures by using optical maskless exposure and thermal decomposition technologies. PTFE nanoparticles were mixed with polymer monomer to form a UV curable colloidal mixture, which can be cured layer-by-layer to form 3D microstructures by using an optical maskless exposure system. The micro structure s were dried and sintered to remove solvent and other polymer except PTFE. 3D PTFE microstructures with nanopores ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers were fabricated for the first time. Based on its super-hydrophobic property, PTFE bionic insect was fabricated to demonstrate the super weight-carrying ability on the water surface. The printable PTFE microstructures have great potential in medical implants, chemically inert micro reactors/filters, and microfluidics control applications.