Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for microfluidic fluid evaporation using femtosecond laser-patterned surfaces are disclosed. A microfluidic device may comprise a femtosecond laser-patterned substrate having at least one input path and at least one output path. The femtosecond laser-patterned substrate may comprise both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic sections. Fluid deposited at an input path may be wicked to an output path due to the surface pattern. A heating device may be provided to heat the fluid to evaporate volatiles therefrom. Vacuums and gas streams may be used to aid in volatile removal. Gas streams may add gas to the microfluidic device to react with the fluid.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for microfluidic fluid evaporation using femtosecond laser-patterned surfaces are disclosed. A microfluidic device may comprise a femtosecond laser-patterned substrate having at least one input path and at least one output path. The femtosecond laser-patterned substrate may comprise both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic sections. Fluid deposited at an input path may be wicked to an output path due to the surface pattern. A heating device may be provided to heat the fluid to evaporate volatiles therefrom. Vacuums and gas streams may be used to aid in volatile removal. Gas streams may add gas to the microfluidic device to react with the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods, and systems for forming microspheres comprises a furnace and an ultrasonic nozzle. The furnace has a channel and is operable to generate heat in the channel. The ultrasonic nozzle is configured to receive precursor solution and spray precursor droplets into the channel so that the heat in the channel causes the precursor droplets to form the microspheres.

Abstract: A process for forming polymer-grafted nanoparticles is provided. The process utilizes flow chemistry techniques to activate nanoparticle surfaces and then form polymer chains on the activated surfaces in a continuous process, thus avoiding the limitations and shortcomings of batch processes for forming polymer-grafted nanoparticles. The polymer-grafted nanoparticles are particularly useful as a filler or additive in fused deposition modeling (“FDM”) filaments, leading to printed parts having improved properties.