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Retention of Liquids Above Microporous Membranes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

John Charkoudian
Affiliation:
Strategic Materials Group, Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA 01730
Volkmar Thom
Affiliation:
Strategic Materials Group, Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA 01730
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Abstract

The ability of membranes to retain fluids without leaking in devices such as high throughput multiwell plates was examined as a function of membrane polymer, surface modification, and liquid surface tension. Microporous membranes (200–800nm) act as arrays of millions of imperfect microcapillaries. Extrusion and leaking requires pressure plus coalescence of microdroplets. For unmodified membranes, the liquid hold up height (pressure) is critically dependent on liquid surface tension, rising rapidly when the contact angle prevents droplet spreading and coalescence. Topography, as measured by AFM, also plays a role in ease of coalescence. Surface modification has a large impact on hold up pressure and its dependence on liquid surface tension.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

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References

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