Epoxy-based self-healing microspheres modified with MWCNTs as smart micro-objects for microfluidic devices

MAURO, DIANDRA; H. E. ROMEO; J. PUIG; LÓPEZ SOFÍA; CUELLAR BERRIO, INGRITH P; DA ROS, TATIANA; C. E. HOPPE

San Luis

Taller; V Taller Latinoamericano de Materiales de Carbono; 2024

Microspheres of anepoxy-amine copolymer were obtained through a fluidic technique andsubsequently cross-linked through a mild annealing process to obtainself-healing and swellable spheres.1 Depending on the strategy usedalong the fluidic process, the possibility of incorporating multi-walled carbonnanotubes (MWCNTs) inside or outside the epoxy-amine microspheres wasdemonstrated. Both neat and nanocomposite microspheres were used for thefabrication of macroporous monoliths with aligned porosity through a cryogenictechnique. The final materials were hierarchical, macroporous nanocompositestructures containing microspheres in their walls. The high swellability andphotothermal properties of the included micro-objects are of potential use inthe design of smart functional separation columns and microfluidic systems.