A conductive polymer model for BioMEMS

F. A. GUARNIERI; A. CARDONA

Bariloche, Argentina

Workshop; Pan American Advanced Studies Institute in MicroElectroMechanical Systems (PASI- MEMS); 2004

NSF, USA

Conductive polymers actuators provide large strain and biocompatibility. Microvalves are being investigated for flow control in applications like drug-delivery, drainage devices and lab-on-a-chip systems In this work we present a preliminary design and simulation using the Finite Element Method of the actuator and membrane of a microvalve Methods Rubber-based hyperelastic models are used. Maxwell stresses are derived in a variational formulation. Strong coupling between nonlinear hyperelastic and electrostatic problems. Discretization in finite elements are performed. Polypyrrole (PPY) and PVTF parameters are obtained for the actuator. Polyimide for the membrane. Electrodes deform with the actuator. Results Different parameters are varied like membrane and actuator thickness, areas, applied voltage, and conductivities of both electrodes and actuator Optimal design is sought taking into account biocompatibility, low voltage, and maximum displacement at the apex of the membrane Discussion and Conclusions   Conductive polymers actuators are promising materials for biocompatible flow-control microdevices. Simulation of the complex actuator-membrane is a valuable tool for optimal design.