Self-regulating heater for microfluidic reactors

The paper describes a self-regulating heater based on epoxy laminate and ceramic as a solid support. A carbon paste with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) was used as a resistive material. The paste was screen printed over inter-digitised metallic tracks. Applying constant voltage to the heater its resistance was increased and simultaneously the current flowing through it was decreased up to an equilibrium state at a designated temperature. The working temperature of the heater was in the range from 30 to 70 °C. The main advantage of the manufacturing of such a heater was its self-regulation, simplicity and low cost.