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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M60170/01
Title: CONDUCTING POLYMERS AS ELECTRO-DEPOSITED SEALS & GLUES FOR MICROVALVES & MICROSTRUCTURES
Principal Investigator: Chetwynd, Professor DG
Other Investigators:
Gardner, Professor JW
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: University of Warwick
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 03 December 1999 Ends: 02 June 2003 Value (£): 224,210
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Electrochemical Science & Eng. Materials Characterisation
Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Currently, very little is known about the mechanical properties of conducting polymers, but our work on their tribology indicates that morphology, compliance, strength, etc can be electrically controlled in useful ways during deposition. This programme will measure such properties for a range of conducting polymers, notably poly (pyrroles), under conditions relevant to their application in microsystems. Durable but compliant films, used as the micro-mechanical equivalent of O-rings, could have a major influence on the efficiency of micro-valves and micro-pumps. Thus some of the special test-rigs to be built will simulate valve actions and include measurements, for example, of sealing characteristics against force and wear-rates. Other specially-built equipment will investigate properties such as growth, porosity, strength (tensile, shear and peel) in the context of effecting permanent seals in micro-pumps or providing adhesives for the microfabrication of complex small devices. Basic materials properties will be published and design recommendations made for using conducting polymers as seals and glues.
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Organisation Website: http://www.warwick.ac.uk