M Haiducu et al 2008 J. Micromech. Microeng. 18 115029 doi:10.1088/0960-1317/18/11/115029
M Haiducu1, M Rahbar1, I G Foulds1,2, R W Johnstone1,3, D Sameoto1,4 and M Parameswaran1
Show affiliationsAlthough PMMA can be exposed using a variety of exposure sources, deep-UV at 254 nm is of interest because it is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, deep-UV sources can be readily scaled to large area exposures. Moreover, this paper will show that depths of over 100µm can be created in commercial grade PMMA using an uncollimated source. These depths are sufficient for creating microfluidic channels. This paper will provide measurements of the dissolution depth of commercial grade PMMA as a function of the exposure dose and etch time, using an IPA:H2O developer. Additionally, experiments were run to characterize the dependence of the dissolution rate on temperature and agitation. The patterned substrates were thermally bonded to blank PMMA pieces to enclose the channels and ports were drilled into the reservoirs. The resulting fluidic systems were then tested for leakage. The work herein presents the patterning, development and system behaviour of a complete microfluidics system based on commercial grade PMMA.
61.80.Ba Ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation effects (including laser radiation)
47.60.-i Flow phenomena in quasi-one-dimensional systems
Soft matter, liquids and polymers
Issue 11 (November 2008)
Received 26 August 2008
Published 15 October 2008
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