Fundamental understanding of centrifugal micromolding for high fidelity patterns

Centrifugal casting is a convenient and effective approach for producing micro-patterns from ceramic suspensions. However, the fundamental mechanisms for this approach are elusive and require an in-depth investigation. In this work, basic theories related to centrifugal casting and particle interaction energy of the dispersed suspension are analyzed with the consideration of the micro patterning process, the repulsive steric/electrostatic/depletion energy, and the attractive van der Waals energy. A well dispersed suspension with weak flocculation improves the flowability of the suspension and enables high fidelity pattern formation. From the centrifugal casting point of view, a higher solids loading suspension under an intermediate centrifugal speed is beneficial for high fidelity micro pattern formation. This study provides important guidance for centrifugal micromolding of high fidelity patterns.