University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Hot embossing microstructures onto thermoplastic elastomer membranes using micromilled and glass etched moulds for the use in downscaling upscalable microfluidic elements.

Jager, T. J. de (2023) Hot embossing microstructures onto thermoplastic elastomer membranes using micromilled and glass etched moulds for the use in downscaling upscalable microfluidic elements.

[img] PDF
9MB
Abstract:Hot embossing is a manufacturing method which has potential for large scale industrial produc- tion for microfluidic devices. The goal of this research was to hot emboss microstructures onto thermoplastic elastomer membranes using different kinds of mould. These microstructures in- clude Quake valves and check valves in arrays, and a fluidic rectifier and dampeners as additional features. This research succeeded in replicating microstructures on thermoplastic elastomer mem- branes, with open discussions over some differences observed between the replica and the design. Channel width and height characterisation has been performed on the Hot embossed membranes and the moulds. The moulds were manufactured by casting PDMS on a glass etched negative of the mould, and by micromilling. A single complete stack was manufactured and fluidic priming was tested. The defects in fluidic and pneumatic functionalities were documented and discussed. This research shows the compatibility of industrializable materials and processes used with the fabrication of active pneumatic elements, and sheds light on the first line of issues that need to be addressed to progress this further.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:02 science and culture in general
Programme:Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/97860
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page