Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for polymer-based extrusion. Some non-limiting embodiments provide for extrusion of a liquid photopolymerizable monomer in a channel/die with the aid of a lubricating component, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide) grafted copolymer (PDMS-PEO), and driven by fluid pressure (e.g., a fluid pump). Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to growing soft robots. Some non-limiting embodiments provide a novel class of robots which grow in an environment by growing at their tip (or robot head) by using the self-lubricated photopolymerization extrusion techniques of the present disclosure. Emulating biological tip growth, this process is facilitated by converting an internal monomer fluid into the solid body of the growing robot through polymerization.

Abstract: Methods of curtain coating substrates are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include applying two or more liquid layers simultaneously to a substrate, wherein the multiple layers include a bottom liquid layer comprising a shear thinning liquid, and another liquid layer comprising a viscoelastic liquid. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include formulating a bottom layer liquid comprising a shear thinning liquid, formulating another layer liquid comprising a viscoelastic liquid, pumping the bottom layer liquid and the other layer liquid through coating dies simultaneously and onto a moving substrate such that the bottom layer liquid impinges on the substrate thereby forming a bottom layer, and the other layer liquid forms another liquid layer above the bottom liquid layer. The inclusion of a bottom liquid layer comprising a shear thinning liquid and other layer comprising a viscoelastic liquid provides for enlargement of the curtain coating window.

Abstract: Methods of curtain coating substrates are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include applying two or more liquid layers simultaneously to a substrate, wherein the multiple layers include a bottom liquid layer comprising a shear thinning liquid, and another liquid layer comprising a viscoelastic liquid. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include formulating a bottom layer liquid comprising a shear thinning liquid, formulating another layer liquid comprising a viscoelastic liquid, pumping the bottom layer liquid and the other layer liquid through coating dies simultaneously and onto a moving substrate such that the bottom layer liquid impinges on the substrate thereby forming a bottom layer, and the other layer liquid forms another liquid layer above the bottom liquid layer. The inclusion of a bottom liquid layer comprising a shear thinning liquid and other layer comprising a viscoelastic liquid provides for enlargement of the curtain coating window.

Abstract: Graphene ink compositions as can be utilized with gravure and screen printing processes, to provide flexible electronic components with high-resolution printed graphene circuitry.

Abstract: An open-channel microfluidic diode includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is in fluid communication with the first reservoir, wherein the first channel is characterized by a first cross-sectional area. The second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel and the second reservoir, wherein the second channel is characterized by a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The first channel interacts with the second channel at a junction, and wherein liquid flows from the second channel to the first channel via capillary forces.

Abstract: Graphene ink compositions as can be utilized with gravure and screen printing processes, to provide flexible electronic components with high-resolution printed graphene circuitry.

Abstract: Graphene ink compositions as can be utilized with gravure and screen printing processes, to provide flexible electronic components with high-resolution printed graphene circuitry.

Abstract: A manufacturing process, which we term Self-Aligned Capillarity-Assisted Lithography for manufacturing devices having nano-scale or micro-scale features, such as flexible electronic circuits, is described.

Abstract: Graphene ink compositions as can be utilized with gravure and screen printing processes, to provide flexible electronic components with high-resolution printed graphene circuitry.

Abstract: A manufacturing process, which we term Self-Aligned Capillarity-Assisted Lithography for manufacturing devices having nano-scale or micro-scale features, such as flexible electronic circuits, is described.