Multi-parameter microcantilever sensor for comprehensive characterization of Newtonian fluids

We have developed a microcantilever-based sensor for the characterization of Newtonian fluids. The vibrating cantilever's peakfrequency, eigenfrequency and damping due to the surrounding liquid were simultaneously recorded. Various aqueous solutions of glycerol and ethylene glycol with defined densities and viscosities were injected and the cantilever response was tracked in real time. Our experiments demonstrate that only a sensor measuring several parameters simultaneously can discriminate between viscosity and density effects. The sensor is found to be sensitive to liquid properties with a resolution of 1.5% in viscosity and 0.06% in density. The results indicate that the effect of viscosity on the eigenfrequency cannot be neglected even at higher vibrational modes.