Abstract: In recent decades, printing and coating techniques have received interest for manufacturing of low-cost flexible electronics, membranes, electrochemical systems, packaging/encapsulation, and pharmaceuticals. The functionality of these devices and materials depends significantly on the print resolution, with typical feature sizes ranging from millimeters to microns and material properties with respect to scaled manufacture. Although feature sizes across this range are technically feasible with established techniques, process scalability and wide-area patterning have presented persistent challenges. In this talk, we will explore the scalability of various material forms and patterns using roll-to-roll manufacturing with conventional and innovative tooling to enable control over pattern structure and properties. To address these limitations, investigations of fluid phenomena responsible for coating quality will be interrogated as it relates to manufacturing, using experimental and analytical approaches. An understanding of processing limits in terms of film quality, pattern resolution and feature size will be discussed when processing a single liquid or multiple liquids simultaneously across a variety of manufacturing tools that can translate to scaled manufacturing.
Bio: Tequila A. L. Harris is a Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, at Georgia Institute of Technology and Principal Investigator of the Highly Advanced Roll-to-Roll iManufacturIng Systems (HARRiS) group. Harris’ research is focused on exploring the connectivity between thin film quality and its functionality, durability and performance, based on its manufacture. Her aim is to elucidate mechanisms that cause system failure, which may have initiated at the manufacturing stage. With the use of numerical simulations and experimentation, she has introduced unique models and approaches to predict and control the quality of thin films, processed on permeable and impermeable substrates. By addressing the associated complex fundamental problems, she aims to impact a plethora of industries and fields such as energy, electronics and environmental. Harris has received several awards and honors, of note, the L. E. Scriven Young Investigator Award and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award.
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