Wettability control and patterning of PDMS using UV–ozone and water immersion

We demonstrate a simple method to tune and pattern the wettability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to generate microfluidic mimics of heterogeneous porous media. This technique allows one to tailor the capillary forces at different regions within the PDMS channel to mimic multi-phase flow in oil reservoirs. In this method, UV–ozone treatment is utilized to oxidize and hydrophilize the surface of PDMS. To maintain a stable surface wettability, the oxidized surfaces are immersed in water. Additionally, the use of a photomask makes it convenient to pattern the wettability in the porous media. A one-dimensional diffusive reaction model is established to understand the UV–ozone oxidation as well as hydrophobic recovery of oxidized PDMS surfaces. The modeling results show that during UV–ozone, surface oxidation dominates over diffusion of low-molecular-weight (LMW) species. However, the diffusivity of LMW species plays an important role in wettability control of PDMS surfaces.

Graphical abstractThe comparison of patterned (left) and unpatterned (right) wettability on the gas displacement efficiency of an aqueous dye solution by air in homogeneous porous media.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (116 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Wettability is tuned and patterned in PDMS-based porous media. ► The rate of UV–ozone hydrophilization is controlled by curing time of PDMS. ► Wettability is effectively maintained by water contact for various contact angles. ► A diffusive-reaction model describes the surface hydrophilization process.