Journal Published Online: 30 October 2023
Volume 12, Issue 3

Optimization of PDMS Surface Treatment Using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Microfluidic Applications

CODEN: MPCACD

Abstract

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used for microfluidic and biomedical applications because of its chemical inertness and affordability. However, its low surface energy limits its adhesion properties, thus necessitating mandatory surface activation, via plasma treatments or chemical processing, especially for improving its hydrophilicity. In this study, we employed an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (2 W) in order to enhance the PDMS surface adhesion for application in microfluidic devices. Treatment variables, including exposure and recovery time and adhesion quality, were investigated. It was possible to achieve a minimum exposure time of 15 s/cm2 for thin PDMS (sheet, 250 μm) and 30 s/cm2 for thick (resin, 3 mm) PDMS. A robust and efficient methodology for scaling the jet system treatment of larger areas was developed. Additionally, we examined the effect of ambient humidity on the plasma treatment. Results showed that water adsorption on PDMS-treated surfaces indicated a difference between the well-established contact angle method for determining surface hydrophilicity (and thus, its adhesion) and the real adhesion properties of the treated surfaces.

Author Information

Silva, Lhwan Philippe
Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnology, University of Campinas - Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
de Lara, Daniel Silva
Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnology, University of Campinas - Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
Swart, Jacobus
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas - Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
Savu, Raluca
Center for Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnology, University of Campinas - Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: MPC20230022
ISSN: 2379-1365
DOI: 10.1520/MPC20230022