Plastic–PDMS bonding for high pressure hydrolytically stable active microfluidics

Abstract

We explore the application of organofunctional silanes for bonding plastic substrates to PDMS membranes. Such devices would enable actuated membrane microfluidics in plastic devices. Bond strength degradation in aqueous environments can be reduced by using bis-silanes with larger alkoxy end groups to promote organofunctional bond formation with the plastic substrate. Hydrolytic failure can also result from low silane crosslink density or interface hydrophilicity. A test device consisting of three-valve peristaltic pumps is fabricated out of polycarbonate (PC) and bonded to PDMS through isopropoxy modified bis-trimethoxy-silyl-propyl-amine. Valves operated up to 60 psi in aqueous environments without failure. Solutions of DI water and 1 M HCl were also pumped through the device via peristaltic actuation at 18 psi for 2 weeks without bond failure. 1 M NaOH was also tested but resulted in bond failure after 115 hours.