This paper describes the design and fabrication of a switchable thermosensitive polymer with an integrated microheater as a smart surface platform for wettabilty control. The thermoresponsive surface is synthesized on a glass substrate using the polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) which can change its wettability when subjected to change in temperature. PNIPAAm is hydrophilic when the surface temperature is less than the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) range of about 28-33 °C and is hydrophobic above the LCST range. The PNIPAAm surface is heated by spiral gold microheaters which are fabricated on the lower side of the glass substrate. The contact angle change with change in temperature is tested using a standard goniometer. Time response analysis of the surface is presented. This smart surface can be used as an active or adaptive component for microflow regulation and can be potentially integrated into large scale lab-on-chip (LOC) systems.
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