Abstract
Most current methods of microchannel fabrication are expensive and time consuming or result in noncylindrical channels, which is undesirable for many applications. A rapid inexpensive method for the fabrication of flow-ready cylindrical polymer microchannels from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented here. In this method, cylindrical needles are used as molds for the channels and also function as flow delivery devices after fabrication. Validation of channel function and smoothness can be accomplished by comparing experimental data to theoretical models. One model was previously developed by the author to predict the incipient motion of a glass sphere in contact with a perfectly smooth PDMS surface and deviations from the model are expected to be a function of channel roughness. The data collected in the present channels show fairly good agreement with the theoretical model, indicating a relatively smooth and consistent surface. In addition, detailed SEM images of the channel showed that the internal surface was qualitatively very smooth.
Recommended Citation
K. H. Henthorn, "A Rapid Method for Flow-ready Cylindrical Microchannel Fabrication," Review of Scientific Instruments, American Institute of Physics (AIP), Jun 2009.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3152365
Department(s)
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Sponsor(s)
Missouri Science Corporation
University of Missouri Research Board
Keywords and Phrases
Microchannel Flow; Needles; BioMEMS; Microfabrication; Polymers; Scanning electron microscopy
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0034-6748
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2009 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jun 2009