Formation of Surface Structures on Biopolymer Substrates Through the Inkjet Printing of Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) represent a class of printable material for use in the inkjet technique. Additionally, some ILs are effective solvents for biopolymers (i.e., cellulose and silk). The combination of the ILs ability to solvate biopolymers and the highly controllable delivery of liquids utilized in inkjet printing technology provide a means to pattern substrates and build structures. In this report, the delivery of IL-based solvents to cellulosic papers by inkjet printing is demonstrated. In particular, imaging data that characterize morphological alterations to cellulosic paper substrates are discussed. Results suggest that printed materials with unique properties are possible for a wide range of applications.