3D polymeric devices driven by surface micro fluidic capillaries

Abstract

A unique method of controlling polymer swelling locally is proposed in this work. This method relies on the novel 3D micro fabrication technology, Projection Micro strereolithography (PuSL) [1], to create capillary network in polymeric structures. The capillary network not only transports the liquid (water or organic solvents) to specific locations by capillary force when swelling is needed, but also depletes the solvent in the structure by evaporation to stop swelling. As a demonstration, functional cantilever of Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) driven by surface capillary is designed and tested. Integration of these functional capillary provides the way of 3D polymeric actuation. Copyright © 2008 by ASME.