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: A microfluidic device having hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The microfluidic device may include one or more channels formed using a short-pulse laser that are configured for separation or mixing of fluids. The microfluidic device may further include hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces configured to aid in the separation or mixture of fluids. The short-pulse laser may be a femtosecond laser.

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.