The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Controlling the liquid droplet shape is challenging due to its surface tension. Although numerous deformation methods have been developed, most require continuous stimuli or chemical reactions to maintain deformed shapes. In this study, we present a simple method utilizing a liquid marble, which is a droplet covered with hydrophobic particles, as a platform. Through partial evaporation followed by mechanical shaking, we induce the surface area mismatch between the droplet and encapsulating particles and resolve the mismatch by rearranging its particles, forming stable elongated worm-like liquid marble (W-LM) even after removal of mechanical force. Moreover, W-LMs can be freely designed or programmed into various shapes and can be coalesced into long, wire-like channels. Owing to this simple method, the properties of the internal liquid can be preserved. We anticipate that this method shows potential for application in hydrogel templating, speed control microreactors, and microrobotics.