Korean Chemical Engineering Research

The Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers (한국화학공학회)
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A Study on Hydrophobic Surface Treatment for Microfluidic System Fabrication Based on SLA 3D Printing Method

SLA 3D 프린팅 방식 기반의 미세 유체 시스템 제작을 위한 소수성 표면 처리 연구

  • Jae Uk Heo (Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Seo Jun Bae (Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Do Jin Im (Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University)
  • 허재욱 (국립부경대학교 화학공학과) ;
  • 배서준 (국립부경대학교 화학공학과) ;
  • 임도진 (국립부경대학교 화학공학과)
  • Received : 2023.11.03
  • Accepted : 2023.11.21
  • Published : 2024.02.01
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Abstract

The SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) method is a type of 3D printing technique predicated on the transformation of liquid photocurable resin into a solid form through UV laser exposure, and its application is increasing in various fields. In this study, we conducted research to enhance the hydrophobicity and transparency of SLA 3D printing surfaces for microfluidic system production. The enhancement of surface hydrophobicity in SLA outputs was attainable through the application of hydrophobic coating methods, but the coating durability under different conditions varied depending on the type of hydrophobic coating. Additionally, to simultaneously achieve the required transparency and hydrophobic properties for the fabrication of microfluidic systems, we applied hydrophobic coatings to the proposed transparency enhancement method from prior research and compared the changes in contact angles. Teflon coating was proposed as a suitable hydrophobic coating method for the fabrication of microfluidic systems, given its excellent transparency and high coating durability in various environmental conditions, in comparison to titanium dioxide coating. Finally, we produced an Electrophoresis of Charged Droplet (ECD) chip, one of the digital microfluidics systems, using SLA 3D printing with the proposed Teflon coating method (Fluoropel 800). Droplet manipulation was successfully demonstrated with the fabricated chip, confirming the potential application of SLA 3D printing technology in the production of microfluidic systems.

SLA (Stereo Lithography Apparatus) 방식은 액체 상태의 광경화성 레진(Resin)이 자외선 레이저에 닿으면 고체가 되는 원리를 활용한 3D 프린팅 방식으로 다양한 분야에서의 활용도가 증가하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 이 SLA 3D 프린팅 출력물의 표면 특성 중 소수성과 투명도를 개선하여 미세 유체 시스템의 제작에 활용하기 위한 기초 연구를 수행하였다. SLA 출력물은 소수성 코팅 방법을 이용해 표면 소수성의 특성을 개선할 수 있었으나, 소수성 코팅 방법의 종류에 따라 다양한 환경에서의 코팅 유지력은 차이를 보였다. 또한, 미세 유체 시스템의 제작에 요구되는 충분한 투명도와 소수성의 특성을 함께 확보하기 위해 선행된 연구에서 제안한 투명도 확보 방법에 소수성 코팅을 적용하여 접촉각의 변화를 비교하였다. Teflon 코팅법이 이산화 티타늄 코팅법과 비교하여 우수한 투명도의 확보가 가능하며, 다양한 환경에 노출되었을 때 높은 코팅의 유지력을 가져 미세 유체 시스템의 제작에 활용되기에 적합한 소수성 코팅법으로 제안되었다. 마지막으로 본 연구를 통해 제안된 미세 유체 시스템의 제작에 적합한 소수성 코팅 방법인 Teflon 코팅법 중 Fluoropel 800을 이용하여 디지털 미세 유체 시스템 중 하나인 액적 접촉 충전 현상(Electrophoresis of Charged Droplet, ECD) 칩을 SLA 3D 프린팅으로 제작, 액적의 조작을 성공적으로 시연함으로써 SLA 3D 프린팅 기술의 미세 유체 시스템의 제작에 활용 가능성을 확인하였다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 논문은 부경대학교 자율창의학술연구비(2023년)에 의하여 연구되었습니다.

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