Sensors (Nov 2018)

Design of Controllable Novel Piezoelectric Components for Microfluidic Applications

  • Elingas Cekas,
  • Giedrius Janusas,
  • Asta Guobiene,
  • Arvydas Palevicius,
  • Andrius Vilkauskas,
  • Sigita Ponelyte Urbaite

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s18114049
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 11
p. 4049

Abstract

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This paper reviews recent investigations and achievements in the design of controllable functional components for improving microfluidic systems, its effectiveness, and functionality. The main purpose was to design novel microstructures with piezoelectric properties (microresonators), which enable one to control the effectiveness of fluid flow in micro-hydro-mechanical devices for biomedical/biochemical purposes. Controllable properties were obtained by incorporating different types of binders in a piezoelectric ceramic matrix (lead zirconate titanate): polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS). The change in chemical composition of PZT helps to manipulate the piezoelectric characteristics, surface morphology, mechanical properties, etc., of the designed microfluidic element with the microstructure in it.

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