Two-Dimensional Open Microfluidic Devices by Tuning the Wettability on Patterned Superhydrophobic Polymeric Surface
We present a simple and economical method to produce a potential open microfluidic polymeric device. Biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared on polystyrene using a phase separation methodology. Patterned two-dimensional channels were imprinted on the superhydrophobic substrates by exposin...
Saved in:
| Published in | Applied physics express Vol. 3; no. 8; pp. 085205 - 085205-3 |
|---|---|
| Main Authors | , , , |
| Format | Journal Article |
| Language | English |
| Published |
The Japan Society of Applied Physics
01.08.2010
|
| Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
| Summary: | We present a simple and economical method to produce a potential open microfluidic polymeric device. Biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared on polystyrene using a phase separation methodology. Patterned two-dimensional channels were imprinted on the superhydrophobic substrates by exposing the surface to plasma or UV--ozone radiation. The wettability of the channels could be precisely controlled between the superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic states by changing the exposure time. The ability of superhydrophilic paths to drive liquid flows in a horizontal position was found to be significantly higher than for the case of hydrophilic paths patterned onto smooth surfaces. |
|---|---|
| Bibliography: | Representative scanning electron microscopy image of the superhydrophobic rough PS surface. The inset image depicts the topography of the original smooth PS substrate. (a) Influence of UV--ozone treatment time on water CA of the SH surface. (b) FTIR--ATR spectra of SH PS surface before and after UV--ozone treatment for 20 min. Schematic representation of the methodology employed for the patterning of the surfaces, where hydrophilic/superhydrophilic channel-like regions can be imprinted onto superhydrophobic surfaces. The fluorescent microscopy image highlights the section of a superhydrophilic channel on the SH surface after depositing and drying a FITC solution along the channel. Streams of colored water passing with different flow rates (in ml$\cdot$min -1 ) on channels with a "L" shape patterned on smooth (above) and SH surfaces (below). The values inside the images correspond to the volumetric flow rate normalized by the width of the liquid column. The scale bars are 5 mm. Two examples of patterned SH surfaces with S shape (a) and a Y junction in which the interface between two liquids is showed (b). The values inside the images correspond to the volumetric flow rate normalized by the width of the liquid column. The scale bars are 5 mm. |
| ISSN: | 1882-0778 1882-0786 |
| DOI: | 10.1143/APEX.3.085205 |