Surface modification of stereolithography-based 3D printed structures utilizing ultrasonic-atomised sprays
Stereolithography (SLA)-based three-dimensional (3D) printing has become a popular tool for creating experimental models to study the two-phase flow behavior in complex flow structures. The main drawback while implementing such models is the wettability nature of the 3D printed surfaces. As non-geological materials are used while printing the porous designs, the flow mechanics do not follow similar patterns as in the reservoir. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using an SLA-based printing technique to replicate a porous structure. The porosity and pore size values of the 3D print are observed to be very close to that of the porous input image of the rock sample. A simple method to modify the surface characteristics of 3D printed surfaces using an ultrasonic-atomized fine spraying technique is developed. Here a thin layer of CaCO3 is deposited on the 3D printed surface by subjecting it to fine alternate sprays of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. Thirty cycles of coating are observed to have altered the surface's wettability from neutral to oil-wet, resembling a carbonate reservoir.
Other Information
Published in: Journal of Materials Science
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10853-023-08450-2
Funding
Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.
History
Language
- English
Publisher
Springer NaturePublication Year
- 2023
License statement
This Item is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Institution affiliated with
- Texas A&M University at Qatar