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6608046 
Book/Book Chapter 
Microfabrication of 3D structures using novel thermoplastic elastomers 
Sudarsan, AP; Wang, J; Ugaz, VM 
2005 
2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show. NSTI Nanotech 2005 
523-5 vol.2 
English 
INSPEC:8873400 
The use of thermoplastic elastomer gels as advanced substrates for construction of complex microfluidic systems is shown. These gels are synthesized by combining inexpensive polystyrene-(polyethylene/polybutylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymers with a hydrocarbon oil for which the ethylene/butylene midblocks are selectively miscible. The insoluble styrene endblocks phase separate into localized domains to form an optically transparent, viscoelastic, and biocompatible 3-D network (similar to PDMS), with the further advantage of melt-processability in the vicinity of 100 degC. Microfluidic devices can be fabricated in under 5 minutes by making an impression of the negative relief structures on a heated master mold. Multiple impressions can be made against different masters to construct geometries incorporating variable-height features, as well as intricate 3-D multilayered structures. Thermal and mechanical properties are tunable over a wide range through proper selection of gel composition. 
Microfluidics; PDMS; Rapid prototyping; Soft lithography; Thermoplastic elastomer