title: Micromolding of solvent resistant microfluidic devices.
abstract: We demonstrate a rapid fabrication procedure for solvent-resistant microfluidic devices based on the perfluoropolyether (PFPE) SIFEL. We carefully modified the poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromolding procedure, such that it can still be executed using the standard facilities for PDMS devices. Most importantly, devices with a thin SIFEL layer for the patterned channels and a PDMS support layer on top offered the best of two worlds in terms of chemical and mechanical stability during fabrication and use. Tests revealed that these devices overcome two important drawbacks of PDMS devices: (i) incompatibility with almost all non-aqueous solvents, and (ii) leaching of oligomer into solution. The potential of our device is shown by performing a relevant organic synthesis reaction with aggressive reactants and solvents. PFPE-PDMS devices will greatly expand the application window of micromolded devices.
authors.affiliation: Delft University of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Product and Process Engineering, Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Theodorus J A
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Renckens
authors.forename: Dainius
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Janeliunas
authors.forename: Hilbert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Vliet
authors.forename: Jan H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: van Esch
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mul
authors.forename: Michiel T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Kreutzer