We replicate a previously described unidirectional wicking channel topography inspired by the rain-harvesting behavior of the Texas horned lizard. Previously fabricated by laser-engraving PMMA, wicking channels are fabricated by a PDMS soft lithography process well-suited to batch processing. We take advantage of the resolution capabilities of photo- and soft lithography processes to produce smaller wicking features closer in size to the wicking scales of the biological model. Furthermore, the discrete channel model is expanded by creation of a continuous array of patterned wicking features to simulate the continuous nature of the lizard’s integument. Our results indicate improved wicking performance with reduced feature size and preferential wicking in the opposite direction as previously reported. It is speculated that this reverse directionality is a result of high sensitivity to the contact angle of the working fluid on the channel surface, and insufficient contact angle control.
Bioinspired Unidirectional Wicking Channel
