Versatile graphene nanocomposite microheater patterning for various thermoplastic substrates based on capillary filling and transfer molding

摘要

We report a fabrication method of graphene nanocomposite patterns on a thermoplastic substrate using capillary filling and transfer molding techniques. As a proof of concept, we produced microheaters using a low-viscosity graphene nanocomposite solution. After filling a microchannel on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp with graphene solution, the solution solvent was evaporated, leaving behind the graphene nanocomposite pattern. Subsequent embossing of the graphene nanocomposite patterns on the PDMS stamp onto a polymethylmethacrylate substrate allowed the transfer of the microheater pattern. Capillary filling was characterized analytically and experimentally. The performance and thermal response of the fabricated microheater were very promising.