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Finite element analysis of blister formation in laser-induced forward transfer

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Abstract

Blister-actuated laser-induced forward transfer (BA-LIFT) is a direct-write technique, which enables high-resolution printing of sensitive inks for electronic or biological applications. During BA-LIFT, a polymer laser-absorbing layer deforms into an enclosed blister and ejects ink from an adjacent donor film. In this work, we develop a finite element model to replicate and predict blister expansion dynamics during BA-LIFT. Model inputs consist of standard mechanical properties, strain-rate-dependent material parameters, and a parameter encapsulating the thermal and optical properties of the film. We present methods to determine these material parameters from experimental measurements. The simulated expansion dynamics are shown to be in good agreement with experimental measurements using two different polymer layer thicknesses. Finally, the ability to model high-fluence blister rupture is demonstrated through a strain-based failure approach.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (MRSEC Program) through the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (DMR 0819860), the National Science Foundation (DMR-0548147), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR-FA9550-08-1-0094).

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  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA

    Nicholas T. Kattamis, Matthew S. Brown & Craig B. Arnold

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  1. Nicholas T. Kattamis
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  2. Matthew S. Brown
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  3. Craig B. Arnold
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Correspondence to Craig B. Arnold.

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Kattamis, N.T., Brown, M.S. & Arnold, C.B. Finite element analysis of blister formation in laser-induced forward transfer. Journal of Materials Research 26, 2438–2449 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2011.215

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