[labnetwork] PDMS processing - separate lab?

[Matthew Moneck]

Hi Dan,

We try to minimize the use of PDMS as much as possible, but there are some
instances where we cannot avoid it, as it becomes part of a larger device
structure.  In those cases, it is often mixed, diluted, and spin-coated
onto wafers.  For that application, we have an isolated area in one of our
wet chem bays, where that work must be done.  Users have their own
dedicated glassware for mixing and must wear double gloves.  We also have a
"dirty" spinner in that area for use with PDMS, SU8, and any other material
that may gunk up our general use spincoaters.  Users are trained to foil
coat the spinner basin as needed for easy cleanup as well.  Similarly,
there is a separate hotplate for that area.

If people are planning to do "bulk" PMDS for microfluidic molds or similar
applications, we typically ask them to do it outside the cleanroom.  We
have a lab available with wet benches if needed.  They are also allowed to
do post processing on PDMS (O2 plasma, thin-film deposition, and etching)
in the cleanroom on a small subset of tools, but it requires approval on a
case-by-case basis.  In that process, we evaluate the mixing and molding
procedures, along with the curing conditions of the PDMS to ensure it was
prepared properly.

Best Regards,

Matt

On Wed, Sep 4, 2024 at 2:54 PM Dan P. Woodie <daniel.woodie at princeton.edu>
wrote:

> Lab Network,
>
>
>
> I am curious how many fabs allow PDMS mixing in their main cleanrooms and
> how many require that work done in separate isolated spaces or noncleanroom
> labs. My experience has been that they can be in the same space if careful
> glove protocols are used to avoid spreading the unpolymerized precursors
> around the facility, but I am interested in other’s experiences. Thanks for
> the shared knowledge.
>
>
>
> Dan
>
>
>
> Daniel Woodie
>
> Director, Micro/Nano Fabrication Center, Princeton Materials Institute
>
> Princeton University
>
> 155 Andlinger Center
>
> 86 Olden St
>
> Princeton, NJ 08540
>
>
>
> (609)258-5922 (office)
>
> (607)227-2993 (cell)
>
> daniel.woodie at princeton.edu
>
> mnfc.princeton.edu
>
> www.linkedin.com/in/danielpwoodie
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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-- 

--
Matthew T. Moneck, Ph.D
Executive Director, Claire & John Bertucci Nanotechnology Laboratory
Electrical & Computer Engineering | Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
Phone: 412-268-5430
ece.cmu.edu
nanofab.ece.cmu.edu
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