Stable fabrication of internal micro-channels in polymers based on a thermal-electric coupling field

Abstract

The micro-channel structure in polymers has excellent properties and is widely used in biochemistry instruments, optical sensor devices and so on. At present, numerous challenges such as low surface quality and unstable formation are faced during the fabrication of internal polymer micro-channel structures, leading to functions that do not meet expectations. In this paper, a mathematical model for channel formation in polymers is established using phase field theory, and the deformation mechanism of the microstructure driven by surface energy was studied. Next, the micro-nano-structure evolution of the polymer was simulated, and the morphology of single-channel, double-channel and Z-shaped-channel structures was studied. Finally, a comparison test of the formed structure under the action of a single temperature field and thermal-electric coupling field was carried out, and experimental results were found to be consistent with simulation results.