Versatile strategy for homogeneous drying patterns of dispersed particles

Rey M, Walter J, Harrer J, Perez CM, Chiera S, Nair S, Ickler M, Fuchs A, Michaud M, Uttinger M, Schofield AB, Thijssen JHJ, Distaso M, Peukert W, Vogel N (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Nature Communications Nature Publishing Group: Nature Communications

Book Volume: 13

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30497-z

Abstract

After spilling coffee, a tell-tale stain is left by the drying droplet. This universal phenomenon, known as the coffee ring effect, is observed independent of the dispersed material. However, for many technological processes such as coating techniques and ink-jet printing a uniform particle deposition is required and the coffee ring effect is a major drawback. Here, we present a simple and versatile strategy to achieve homogeneous drying patterns using surface-modified particle dispersions. High-molecular weight surface-active polymers that physisorb onto the particle surfaces provide enhanced steric stabilization and prevent accumulation and pinning at the droplet edge. In addition, in the absence of free polymer in the dispersion, the surface modification strongly enhances the particle adsorption to the air/liquid interface, where they experience a thermal Marangoni backflow towards the apex of the drop, leading to uniform particle deposition after drying. The method is independent of particle shape and applicable to a variety of commercial pigment particles and different dispersion media, demonstrating the practicality of this work for everyday processes.

Authors with CRIS profile

Marcel Rey Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Johannes Walter Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Johannes Menath Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Salvatore Chiera Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Sharanya Nair Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Maret Ickler Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Mark Michaud Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Maximilian Uttinger Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Monica Distaso Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Wolfgang Peukert Lehrstuhl für Feststoff- und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik Nicolas Vogel Professur für Partikelsynthese

Involved external institutions

University of Edinburgh GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Rey, M., Walter, J., Harrer, J., Perez, C.M., Chiera, S., Nair, S.,... Vogel, N. (2022). Versatile strategy for homogeneous drying patterns of dispersed particles. Nature Communications, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30497-z

MLA:

Rey, Marcel, et al. "Versatile strategy for homogeneous drying patterns of dispersed particles." Nature Communications 13.1 (2022).

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