화학공학소재연구정보센터
Langmuir, Vol.34, No.1, 432-441, 2018
Wax Spreading in Paper under Controlled Pressure and Temperature
This work describes a novel rapid method to fabricate high-resolution paper-based microfluidic devices using wax-ink-based printing. This study demonstrates that both temperature and pressure are important knobs in controlling the device resolution. High-resolution lines and patterns were obtained by heating the paper asymmetrically from one side up to 110 degrees C while applying pressure up to 49 kPa. Starting with wax lines with an initial width of 130 mu m, we achieve a thorough penetration through a 190 mu m-thick paper with lateral spreading on the front as narrow as 90 gm. The role of temperature and pressure are systematically studied and compared with the prediction of the equation. We found that the temperature dependence of spreading can be explained by the viscosity change of the wax, according to the Lucas-Washburn equation. The pressure dependence deviates from Lucas-Washburn behavior because of compression of the paper. An optimal condition for achieving full depth penetration of the wax yet minimizing lateral spreading is suggested after exploring various parameters including temperature, pressure, and paper type. These findings could lead to a rapid roll-to-roll fabrication of high-resolution paper-based diagnostic devices.