Microchannel in microtechnology is a channel with a hydraulic diameter below 1 mm, usually 1–99 μm. [1] Microchannels are used in fluid control (see Microfluidics), heat transfer (see Micro heat exchanger) and cell migration observation. [2] They are more efficient than their 'macro' counterparts, because of a high surface-area to volume ratio yet pose a multitude of challenges due to their small size. [3]
Different types of materials are required for the different uses of microchannels. These are the three main categories. [4]
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used as a solution to a wide range of microfluidic devices due to its low cost and easier fabricating methods. [4] Silicon elastomers can be used for situations in which elasticity and deformation is necessary. [5]
Metallic substrates are often chosen for their advantageous metallic properties, such as withstanding high temperatures and transferring heat faster. They can be subject to corrosion. [4] [6]
Ceramic materials allow for high-temperature operation in comparison to metallic substrates and enable operation in harsh chemical environments in which metals cannot be used. [7]
The concept of the microchannel was proposed for the first time by researchers Tuckerman and Pease of Stanford Electronics Laboratories in 1981. [8] They suggested an effective method for designing microchannels in the laminar and fully developed flow. [9]
Microchannels are extensively used in the pharmaceuticals, and biochemical industries due to short diffusion distances, higher interfacial area, and higher heat/mass transfer rates. [10]
Microchannel in microtechnology is a channel with a hydraulic diameter below 1 mm, usually 1–99 μm. [1] Microchannels are used in fluid control (see Microfluidics), heat transfer (see Micro heat exchanger) and cell migration observation. [2] They are more efficient than their 'macro' counterparts, because of a high surface-area to volume ratio yet pose a multitude of challenges due to their small size. [3]
Different types of materials are required for the different uses of microchannels. These are the three main categories. [4]
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used as a solution to a wide range of microfluidic devices due to its low cost and easier fabricating methods. [4] Silicon elastomers can be used for situations in which elasticity and deformation is necessary. [5]
Metallic substrates are often chosen for their advantageous metallic properties, such as withstanding high temperatures and transferring heat faster. They can be subject to corrosion. [4] [6]
Ceramic materials allow for high-temperature operation in comparison to metallic substrates and enable operation in harsh chemical environments in which metals cannot be used. [7]
The concept of the microchannel was proposed for the first time by researchers Tuckerman and Pease of Stanford Electronics Laboratories in 1981. [8] They suggested an effective method for designing microchannels in the laminar and fully developed flow. [9]
Microchannels are extensively used in the pharmaceuticals, and biochemical industries due to short diffusion distances, higher interfacial area, and higher heat/mass transfer rates. [10]