| Author(s): |
Gordon Christopher; Jae Myung Yoo; Nicholas G. Dagalakis; Steven D. Hudson; Kalman D. Migler; |
| Title: |
Development of a MEMS based Dynamic Rheometer |
| Published: |
August 31, 2010 |
| Abstract: |
Rheological methods that interrogate nano-liter scale volumes of fluids and solids have advanced considerably over the past decade, yet there remains a need for methods that probe the frequency dependent complex rheological moduli through application of homogenous strain fields. Here we describe a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) based approach for the measurement of dynamic rheology of soft matter where oscillatory strain is produced in a sample sandwiched between an oscillating MEMs stage and a glass plate. The resulting stress-strain relationships are revealed by measurement and analysis of the stage motion. We present preliminary data on simple viscous fluids and on viscoelastic thin films. In this proof-of-principle device, we measure moduli in the range of 50 Pa to 10 kPa over a range of 3 - 3000 rad/s using less than 5 nL of sample material; the device s measurement window is limited primarily by our current ability to measure the motion of the stage. This device will provide a new way to characterize dynamic microrheology of an array of novel materials that will prove useful in a number of areas including biorheology, microfluidics and polymer thin films. |
| Citation: |
Lab on A Chip |
| Volume: |
10 |
| Pages: |
pp. 2749 - 2757 |
| Keywords: |
Microrheology, complex fluids, soft matter, MEMS |
| Research Areas: |
Complex Fluids |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (298KB) |
