What high-performance insulation and shielding materials are used in thin film microfluidic pouches?
Publish Time: 2025-04-21
As an important tool in modern laboratory research, field testing and clinical diagnosis, thin film microfluidic pouches play a key role in improving sample processing efficiency and protecting sensitive samples. In order to ensure excellent electrical insulation and electromagnetic shielding performance, manufacturers have made many considerations and optimizations in material selection and process design.
First of all, **Polyimide** is one of the commonly used high-performance insulation materials in thin film microfluidic pouches. Polyimide is known for its excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength and electrical insulation properties, and is suitable for high temperature and high pressure environments. This material not only has good chemical stability, but also can resist a variety of organic solvents and corrosive media, and is particularly suitable for occasions that require long-term storage or processing of complex chemical components. In addition, polyimide film also has extremely low dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor, which can effectively prevent the passage of current and provide reliable electrical insulation protection.
Secondly, metallized polymer is a composite material widely used in the field of electromagnetic shielding. This type of material is usually formed by depositing a thin layer of metal (such as aluminum or copper) on a polymer substrate. Metallized polymers combine the flexibility of polymers with the conductivity of metals to provide excellent electromagnetic shielding without significantly increasing the thickness. For thin film microfluidic pouches, metallized polymers can not only shield external electromagnetic interference, but also prevent the leakage of internally generated signals, ensuring accuracy and safety during sample processing.
Furthermore, some advanced thin film microfluidic pouches will also adopt a multi-layer composite structure design. For example, some high-end products will combine a polyimide layer with other functional materials (such as an antistatic layer, a waterproof layer, or a gas barrier layer) to form a multifunctional composite structure. This design not only improves the overall performance of the microfluidic bag, but also customizes different functional combinations according to specific application requirements. For example, in applications that need to prevent moisture penetration, a layer of efficient waterproof film can be added; and in situations where oxygen needs to be prevented from entering, materials with good gas barrier properties can be selected.
In order to further improve the comprehensive performance of thin film microfluidic pouches, many manufacturers will work hard on surface treatment. For example, nickel plating or silver plating is a common surface treatment method that can not only improve the appearance quality of the microfluidic bag, but also significantly enhance its conductivity and corrosion resistance. The nickel plating layer can prevent the oxidation of the polymer matrix to a certain extent and prolong the service life; while the silver plating can further improve the electromagnetic shielding effect due to its extremely low resistivity, which is particularly suitable for high-frequency signal transmission occasions.
It is worth noting that in order to ensure the performance of the thin film microfluidic pouch in actual applications, manufacturers will conduct a series of rigorous tests and verifications. From the inspection of raw materials entering the factory to the sampling test of finished products, every link strictly implements the internationally accepted quality management system. For example, by conducting multiple experiments such as electrical insulation test, tensile strength test and corrosion resistance test on the samples, the actual performance of the product can be fully understood, and potential problems can be discovered in time for improvement. This not only improves the overall quality of the product, but also provides users with a reliable use experience.
In addition to the material itself, advanced manufacturing technology is also an important factor in ensuring the high quality of thin film microfluidic pouch. For example, precision coating technology and automated production equipment can greatly improve production efficiency and product quality. These technologies not only ensure that the dimensional tolerance and geometric tolerance of the microfluidic bag meet strict standards, but also avoid errors and defects that may be caused by manual operations. In addition, precision welding and packaging technologies can ensure the sealing and protection level of the microfluidic bag, preventing external contaminants from entering and affecting performance.
Finally, strict environmental standards are also an important part of the entire production process. Many manufacturers are committed to reducing the use of hazardous substances in the production process, such as heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, to ensure that products comply with relevant environmental regulations such as RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances Directive). In addition, the recyclability and low-energy design of thin film microfluidic pouch have also become the focus of more and more manufacturers, promoting green manufacturing and sustainable development.
In summary, by using high-performance polyimide, metallized polymers and other innovative materials, thin film microfluidic pouch can provide excellent electrical insulation and electromagnetic shielding performance in various application scenarios. Whether in laboratory research, field testing or other fields, it is an ideal choice for ensuring the safe handling of samples. With the advancement of technology and the application of new materials, we are expected to see more innovative products in the future to provide users with a more perfect experience.
