Mechanism and influencing factors analysis of polyethylene oxide electrohydrodynamic printing

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 63; no. 12; pp. 4072 - 4083
• Main Authors: Wang, Chunjing, Zhifu, Yin, Liu, Zixian, Cheng, Yongqiang, Wei, Wei, Sun, Lei, Sang, Shengbo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.12.2023; Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Ceramic materials; Ceramics; Comparative analysis; cone‐jet printing; Deposition; Electric fields; electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing; Electrohydrodynamics; Finite element method; finite element simulation; Fluid dynamics; Manufacturing costs; Organic materials; Polyethylene; Polyethylene oxide; polyethylene oxide (PEO) solution; Principles; Printing; Process parameters; Production costs; Simulation; Simulation models; Synthetic training devices; China
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.26508

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a micro–nano printing technology based on the principles of electric field and fluid dynamics. It is characterized by high resolution, high precision, and high speed, applied to various materials, including metals, ceramics, and organic materials. Compared with traditional printing technologies, EHD printing offers advantages such as low manufacturing cost, simple process, and direct fabrication, making it highly promising in the field of micro–nano manufacturing. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a highly water‐soluble polymer that has been widely used in various fields due to its low toxicity and ease of processing. In this study, a finite element simulation model was developed using simulation software to simulate and analyze the mechanisms of focused jetting and deposition of PEO solution under an electric field. Based on the principles of electrohydrodynamics, a self‐built EHD printing system was used to investigate the influence of different solution mass fractions and printing parameters on fiber formation, and the optimal process window of EHD printing PEO solution was obtained. Ultimately, ordered deposition of fiber lines ranging from 1.761 to 6.093 μm was achieved. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results, validating the effectiveness of the established model in guiding jetting outcomes. Highlights Independently building a low‐cost electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing system. Finite element simulation of EHD printing process. Mechanism analysis of PEO solution jetting and deposition. Optimal process window for PEO solution EHD printing. Influence of key process parameters on fiber forming width. Schematic diagram of the EHD printing system and its injection and simulation process.