High-Throughput Milli-Fluidic Platform for Polymer Formulations

Published

September 1, 2003

Author(s)

Kathryn L. Beers, J Cabral, H J. Walls, Alamgir Karim, Eric J. Amis, C Harrison

Abstract

Rapid prototyping of microfluidic handling devices has gained in popularity due to the ability to quickly test and modify new design features several times in one day.8-13 While elastomer-based methods have dominated the literature and are remarkably well-suited to life sciences research, there are certain limitations that make the structures prepared by these methods inappropriate for broader application in polymer science. Most notably, the limitations of small vertical dimensions accessible by soft photolithography and the limited solvent resistance of elastomeric networks restricts the development of a robust platform for testing multi-component complex fluids.These common microfluidic fabrication techniques were modified to extend their use to organic fluids. This has allowed the preparation of new types of combinatorial libraries and development of new measurement methods to complement the small sample sizes of these libraries. Most importantly, it can be used to tie together multiple stages of the formulation process, from the synthesis of raw materials, to the measurement of complex-fluid properties, into small, inexpensive and simple platforms. The NCMC s first demonstrations of this technology are in the areas of emulsions and polymer blends.

Proceedings Title

American Chemical Society; Division of Polymer Chemistry, National Meeting | 226th | | American Chemical Society (ACS)

Volume

44

Issue

No. 2

Conference Dates

September 7-11, 2003

Conference Title

Polymer Preprints

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

combinatorial, fluidics, polymer formulations`

Citation

Beers, K. , Cabral, J. , Walls, H. , Karim, A. , Amis, E. and Harrison, C. (2003), High-Throughput Milli-Fluidic Platform for Polymer Formulations, American Chemical Society; Division of Polymer Chemistry, National Meeting | 226th | | American Chemical Society (ACS) (Accessed October 9, 2025)