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9. 1. Effect of Surface Free Energy on the Surface-Driven Capillary Flow in SU-8 based
Glass Microfluidic Devices
Subhadeep Mukhopadhyay 1
2. Optimisation of the Experimental Methods for the Fabrication of Polymer Microstructures and Polymer
Microfluidic Devices for Bioengineering Applications
Subhadeep Mukhopadhyay 8
3. Application of Industrial Waste in Metal Matrix Composite
Manoj Kumar Gupta, Pawan Kumar Rakesh, Inderdeep Singh 27
4. Tensile and Impact Properties of Jute/Glass and Jute/Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
Arun Kumar D.T., Kaushik V. Prasad, Raghavendra Rao P.S. 35
5. Characterization and Gamma Irradiated MA-EMA Copolymer by ESR and FTIR Techniques
B. Sanjeeva Rao, N. Srinivasa Rao, B. Suresh Babu, M. Papi Reddy 40
6. Optical and Microstructural Changes in 5(6)-Carboxyfluorescein Doped PVA
Renuka Sali, L.R. Naik, Mohan S. 45
ContentsJournal of Polymer & Composites

10. JoPC (2016) 1-7 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 1
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321-2810(online), ISSN: 2321-8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Effect of Surface Free Energy on the Surface-Driven
Capillary Flow in SU-8 based Glass Microfluidic Devices
Subhadeep Mukhopadhyay*
Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, National Institute of Technology Arunachal
Pradesh, Ministry of Human Resource Development (Government of India), Yupia, Papum Pare,
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
Surface-driven capillary flow of dyed water is recorded in the SU8 based glass microfluidic
devices fabricated by the standard cleanroom processes. The effect of surface wettability on
the surface-driven capillary flow is studied in the individual SU8 based microfluidic devices of
glass bottom wall and polyimide bottom wall. The surface-driven capillary flow is faster on
the glass bottom wall surface due to the higher polar component of solid surface free energy.
Also, the capillary meniscus moves faster on the glass bottom wall surface due to larger
capillary pressure in dyed water. The experimental results of meniscus movements are
compared with the analytical solutions to determine the diffusion coefficient in each surface-
driven capillary flow. The surface-driven capillary flow can be controlled by the variation of
surface wettability of inner walls in the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems.
Keywords: Capillary flow, microfluidic device, surface free energy, SU8
INTRODUCTION
In the recent past, many authors have used
different materials to fabricate the
microstructures and microfluidic devices [1–
4]. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), SU8
and PDMS are useful materials to fabricate the
microfluidic devices [1, 2, 4]. SU8 is suitable
to fabricate high-aspect-ratio microstructures
[2]. 3D patterns can be obtained by SU8 using
layer-by-layer multi-exposure, inclined
lithography and holographic lithography [2].
Saha et al. analysed the microfluidic flow
through SU8 microchannel integrated with
micropillars [4].
Polyimide is also a good material to fabricate
microstructures [3, 5, 6]. Different bonding
techniques are used by many researchers to
fabricate the leakage-free microfluidic devices
[7, 8]. Direct bonding technique is used to
fabricate the PMMA microfluidic devices [9].
Also, indirect bonding technique is used to
seal the lid on the microchannel substrate for
proper microfluidic flow [4].
Passive capillary flow is suitable in the
microfluidic devices [9–12]. Passive control
methods are useful to manipulate the working
liquid in microfluidic devices [10]. Surface
wettability can be estimated by the
measurement of static contact angle [13].
Sultana et al. described the behaviour of
capillary flow through surface-modified
microchannels [14]. The capillary flow is
faster on the surface of higher wettability [14,
15]. The capillary flow can also be controlled
by the use of micropillars on the microchannel
wall [4]. The capillary flow is faster through
the microfluidic device of lower surface area-
to-volume ratio [4]. The capillary flow can be
controlled in a microfluidic device by
adjusting the channel aspect ratio (ratio of
channel height to channel width) [9, 16]. The
capillary flow is faster in the microfluidic
device of higher channel aspect ratio [9, 16].
AIMS OF THE STUDY
 The first aim is to fabricate the leakage-
free SU8 microfluidic devices.
 The second aim is to study the effect of
surface wettability on the surface-driven
capillary flow.
 Next aim is to study the effect of capillary
pressure on the speed of the meniscus

11. JoPC (2016) 8-26 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 8
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321-2810(online), ISSN: 2321-8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Optimisation of the Experimental Methods for the
Fabrication of Polymer Microstructures and Polymer
Microfluidic Devices for Bioengineering Applications
Subhadeep Mukhopadhyay
Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Arunachal
Pradesh, Ministry of Human Resource Development (Government of India), Yupia, Papum Pare,
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
In this research paper, total 2278 individual polymer microstructures have been fabricated,
measured and analyzed. Also, in this research paper, total 216 individual polymer
microfluidic devices have been fabricated by the maskless lithography, hot embossing
lithography, direct bonding technique, and indirect bonding technique, to record and analyze
the surface-driven (passive) capillary flow individually in each microfluidic device. Total
three individual polymers as SU8, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyimide have been
used to fabricate all of the microstructures and all microfluidic devices reported in this
research paper. Total 30 individual electrical and non-electrical instruments (including the
equipment of the cleanroom laboratory) have been used to perform all the experiments of this
research paper. These fabricated polymer microstructures are applied in the microfluidic
devices for bioengineering applications. The author has performed all the experiments of this
research paper using his own hands-on completely. The optimisation of experimental methods
is a novel approach in this research paper.
Keywords: Polymers, lithography, microstructures, microfluidic devices, cleanroom
INTRODUCTION
Different microstructures are very useful for
many purposes in microfluidic MEMS
(Microelectromechanical systems) devices [1–
3]. The micropillars (or microposts) have been
used extensively to modify the microchannel
surfaces [4–20]. The surface wettability and
surface roughness are two major properties to
control the speed of microfluidic flow in lab-
on-a-chip systems [21–25]. The surface
roughness may increase the static contact
angle on a particular surface. So, the surface
wettability decreases on the rough surface than
the flat surface of the same material [26–30].
If the micropillars are used as surface
roughness elements, then the speed of the
microfluidic flow depends on the pillar side
length, pillar height and pitch [22]. The
micropillars can also be used for microparticle
filtration in lab-on-a-chip systems [13, 31, 32].
Many researchers have already reported
several methods to fabricate the micropillars
[4–6, 8, 12, 15]. They fabricated the micropillar
arrays of different shapes and pillar aspect
ratios [8]. Leakage-free bonding is a
challenging step in the fabrication of
microfluidic devices. Many bonding
techniques have been demonstrated to seal the
lid with microchannel substrate for leakage-
free microfluidic flow [33]. Indirect bonding
(adhesive bonding) and direct bonding are two
categories of bonding techniques for the
fabrication of thermoplastic microfluidic
devices. Thermal fusion bonding, solvent
bonding, localized welding, surface treatment,
and modification are different direct bonding
techniques [33].
In this research paper, the individual steps of
methods for the fabrication of microchannels
and micropillars (microstructures) have been
optimised in the cleanroom laboratory. Next,
the static contact angles of distilled water and
ethylene glycol on each of the pristine flat
surface and modified flat surfaces have been
measured. Next, the static contact angles of

12. JoPC (2016) 27-34 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 27
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321–2810(online), ISSN: 2321–8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Application of Industrial Waste in Metal Matrix
Composite
Manoj Kumar Gupta*, Pawan Kumar Rakesh, Inderdeep Singh
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, HNB Garhwal
University (A Central University), Chauras Campus, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract
Keeping the goals of protecting the environment and exploring low-cost options for the
development of metal matrix composites (MMCs) using cheap reinforcing materials which
obtained from recycling techniques of agro and industrial waste products become one of the
new interest fields of the researchers. The industrial wastes reinforce materials in useful way
not only save the manufacturing cost of products but also reduce the environmental pollution.
This paper represents a literature survey of fly ash waste materials of thermal power plant
and their utilization in metal matrix composites. This paper also attempts to review the
different combination of these reinforcing materials used in the processing of metal matrix
composites and their effects on the mechanical, corrosion and wear performance of the
materials. It also highlights the current application and future potential of composites in
aerospace, automotive and other industries.
Keywords: MMCs, Fly Ash, Reinforce material
INTRODUCTION
The composite materials are the materials
made from two or more constituent materials
with different physical or chemical properties,
that when combined, produce a material with
characteristic different from the individual
components. MMCs are advanced engineering
materials consisting of one or more
reinforcements in a metal matrix to get a
desired set of properties. Metal matrix
composites (MMCs) possess significantly
improved properties including high specific
strength; specific modulus, damping capacity
and good wear resistance compared to
unreinforced alloys [1–3]. The MMCs provide
much better physical, mechanical, and
tribological properties as an advanced material
with respect to the conventional materials in
their application field [4].
The composites produced using waste as
reinforcements helps not only clearing
environmental issues but also helps in
increasing mechanical properties of the
composites. The waste materials are hard to
disposal and thus a major concern to
environmental pollution. The proper utilization
of waste materials could reduce contamination
and spaces for disposal. Therefore, recycling
of waste material by converting it into green
material for application in automobile and
construction industries is a prime concern
among the current researchers. The fly ash, red
mud, palm oil fuel ash (POFA), palm oil
clinker (POC), rice husks, coconut husk and
sugarcane bagasse are some of the example of
waste materials which have potential to be
utilized as a reinforced material for making
composite materials. These materials may be
useful in construction and automobile
industries for making low cost products.
The many researchers have successfully
utilized different waste materials as partial
reinforcement in composite materials for
various applications. The environment
friendly, energy efficient and cost-effective
alternative materials produced from solid
wastes will exhibit a good market potential to
fulfill people’s needs in rural and urban areas
also [5]. The fly ash is a byproduct and waste
materials of thermal power plant and has
potential to utilize as cheap reinforcement
material for making low cost composites and
concurrently enhancing the property of the
materials [6]. In this article the usability of fly

13. JoPC (2016) 35-39 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 35
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321-2810(online), ISSN: 2321-8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Tensile and Impact Properties of Jute/Glass and
Jute/Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
Arun Kumar D.T., Kaushik V. Prasad*, Raghavendra Rao P.S.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Jain University,
Kanakapura, Ramanagara, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Composites have created a niche in the world market today as they provide a stiff, strong and
lightweight material. Two types of composites polypropylene/jute/glass fiber and
polypropylene/jute/carbon fibers were prepared by varying the percentages of jute, glass and
carbon fibers, respectively. A proportion of 35:5, 30:10, 25:15 and 20:20 were maintained
between jute and other reinforcing fiber (glass or carbon) in polypropylene matrix. Tensile
and impact test specimens were prepared using injection moulding. Tensile test shows that
average young’s modulus increases for both composites with increase in fiber content.
However, carbon fiber based composites show slightly higher Young’s modulus compared to
glass fiber based composites. The average tensile strength drops when the proportion of glass
and carbon fibers is 5 percent and then increases with fiber content. Impact strength
decreases with increase in glass and carbon fiber content in both the composites.
Keywords: Composites, glass fibers, carbon fibers, polypropylene, jute fibers, mechanical
properties, injection moulding, tensile properties, impact properties
INTRODUCTION
Composite materials today have created a
niche in the world market as they provide stiff
strong lightweight materials with high
corrosion and fatigue resistance [1]. The art of
preparing composites using jute, kenaf, hemp,
sisal, pineapple fibers etc. have received a
worldwide attention due to their excellent
specific properties. Jute is a regenerative crop
that is available abundantly in tropical
countries. It is a self–composite bio polymer
having low density and high strength making it
suitable for reinforcement in thermoplastic
materials [2]. Natural fibers are popular as it
can be used as an alternative to synthetic fibers
to reduce the cost of composites [3]. However,
natural fiber based thermoplastics are lower in
strength compared to thermoplastics.
Integrating small amounts of synthetic fibers
with the natural fibers in the thermoplastics
can make it more suitable for technical
applications [4]. Fiber–matrix adhesion studies
between jute and polypropylene (PP) under
fatigue and impact loadings show that
dynamic modulus was lowered by 40 and 30%
for composites with poor and good adhesion,
respectively after five impacts [5]. Substitution
of jute instead of cordenka in polypropylene
increased the stiffness and heat distortion
temperature while impact strength decreases
with increase in jute fraction [6]. Verma et al.
observed that jute fabric treated with titaniate
treatment retained better mechanical properties
in humid environment [7]. Khan et al. in their
studies show that much of the mechanical
properties of jute/PP were lost after soil
degradation test compared to E-glass/PP
composites [8]. It has been observed by the
review of literature, several works have been
carried to understand the behavior of jute
fiber/pp or glass fiber/pp. However, very
scarce amount of works are present which
reports the studies on jute/glass/pp or
jute/carbon/pp based composites. Hence the
present work deals with studies of mechanical
properties of these above mentioned
composites.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Materials
Commercially available homopolymer
propylene (PP), Reliance REPOL H200MA
was used as matrix material for studies; it was
made available in form of pellets. It has a melt

14. JoPC (2016) 40-44 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 40
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321-2810(online), ISSN: 2321-8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Characterization and Gamma Irradiated MA-EMA
Copolymer by ESR and FTIR Techniques
B. Sanjeeva Rao1,
*, N. Srinivasa Rao2
, B. Suresh Babu3
, M. Papi Reddy4
1
Department of Physics, Government Degree College, Mulugu, Warangal District, Telangana, India
2
Department of Physics, JVR Government College, Sathupally, Khammam District, Telangana, India
3
Department of Chemistry, Kakatiya Degree College, Hanumakonda, Telangana, India
4
Department of Physics, Trinity Degree College, Peddapally, Telangana, India
Abstract
Gamma irradiation effect of methacrylamide-ethyl methacrylate (MA-EMA) copolymer has
been investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopic techniques. The ESR spectrum observed for gamma irradiated MA-EMA
copolymer has shown resolved hyperfine (hf) pattern at lower temperatures (77K) while at
higher temperatures the spectrum is appeared to be broadened. Fourier Transform Infrared
spectra of pure and gamma irradiated MA-EMA copolymer have been recorded for the
copolymer irradiated to different radiation doses to ascertain chemical changes induced by
gamma irradiation. The variation in intensity of 3420, 1660, 1250, 1160 and 1020 cm-1
absorption bands is observed, which are attributed cleavage of ester, amide groups on
irradiation.
Keywords: Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), Infrared (IR), Spectroscopy, Gamma irradiation,
MA-EMA copolymer, radiation
INTRODUCTION
Although various types of polymer materials
are widely available, synthesis and
characterization of new materials is still
needed to meet various scientific and
technological applications. Polyacrylates and
acrylarmide polymers and its copolymers find
applications in industry as well as science [1].
Homopolymer of methacrylamide is known to
crosslink; while ethylmethacrylate
homopolymer is reported to degrade under the
influence of high energy radiation [2]. Thus, it
is interesting to note the degradation
characteristics of copolymer with
methacrylamide and ethylmethacrylate as
comonomers.
Electron spin resonance spectroscopy is a
useful tool in identifying the radical species
formed on irradiation of polymers [3]. Infrared
spectroscopy, together with ESR technique has
been successfully used to probe radiation
induced changes in polymers and copolymers
[4]. In the present studies the authors have
made an attempt to characterize gamma
irradiation effects in MA-EMA copolymer by
ESR and FTIR techniques have been
employed to study radiation effects in MA-
EMA copolymer.
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
Synthesis and characterization of
methacrylamide–ethylmethacrylate MA-EMA
copolymer has been described by Sreenivasulu
[5]. ESR spectra of irradiated copolymer have
been recorded on a GEOL spectrometer
operating at X-band frequencies and 100 KHz
modulation. Infrared (FTIR) spectra of pure
and gamma irradiated MA-EMA copolymer
has been recorded on PERKIN-ELMER 283
model spectrometer and intensities of various
absorption bands are noted. Potassium
Bromide (KBr)-MA-EMA copolymer pellets
have been used for IR measurements. Gamma
Irradiations were carried out with a cobalt 60,
gamma source at a dose rate of 0.2 M.rad/h in
air at room temperature (RT).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
ESR spectrum of Gamma Irradiated MA-EMA
copolymer at liquid nitrogen temperature
(LNT) is as shown in Figure 1; whereas the
spectrum recorded at RT as shown in Figure 2.

15. JoPC (2016) 45-51 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 45
Journal of Polymer & Composites
ISSN: 2321-2810(online), ISSN: 2321-8525(print)
Volume 4, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Optical and Microstructural Changes in
5(6)-Carboxyfluorescein Doped PVA
Renuka Sali1
, L.R. Naik1,
*, Mohan S.2
1
Department of Physics, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
2
Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Karnataka, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The effect of 5(6) Carboxyfluorescein dye on microstructural and optical properties of a
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have been studied by using FTIR and UV-Visible absorption
techniques. FTIR spectral result shows the possible interaction between the dye and PVA. The
UV-Visible spectra shows three absorption bands (around 227nm, 310nm and 450nm) and
from the observed optical band edges in the UV-Visible spectra, three optical band gaps and
three activation energies for the doped PVA were estimated. The variation of optical band gap
and activation energies with different dopant concentration indicates the existence of
additional levels in the doped samples which reflects the modification in the microstructure of
the polymer composite. Fluorescence emission band around 515nm was observed for 493nm
excitation. These results are discussed based on charge transfer complex (CTC) formation.
Increase in decay time of dye doped PVA matrix increases with the increasing concentration
of 5(6) CF was observed.
Keywords: Dye, PVA, optical parameters, microstructure and lifetime decay
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, dye doped polymer materials
are attractive for many researchers because of
their various kinds of optical and fluorescence
properties [1]. The effect of molecular structure
and motion of polymer matrices on the
photochemical and photophysical processes of
doped chromophores have different modes of
applications like optoelectronics, optical data
storage media and photonics, etc. [2]. Polymer
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has been studied
extensively and different studies have shown
that the doping affects its property, which
depends on the interaction between the dopant
and the polymer. In view of this, the present
work is carried out to understand the effect of
5(6) Carboxyfluorescein (5(6)CF) dye
chromophore doping on the optical and
microstructural properties of PVA using optical
and lifetime decay measurements [3, 4].
EXPERIMENTAL
The polymer PVA used in this work was
obtained in powder form from M/s. s.d. fine-
Chem. Ltd, Mumbai and the 5(6)
Carboxyfluorescein dye was obtained from
Aldrich chemical co, USA. The 5(6)
Carboxyfluorescein doped PVA films were
prepared by solution casting method using
distilled water. The FTIR spectra were
recorded by using NICOLET FTIR-6700
spectrometer. UV-Vis study was performed
using SHIMADZU (UV-1601) spectrometer in
the wavelength range between 195 nm and
700nm. The fluorescence spectral
measurements were done by using Hitachi F-
7000 fluorescence spectrophotometer. The
fluorescence decays were collected by a fast
photomultiplier tube (Hamamatsu, model
H5773) detector. The fluorescence decays
were analysed using Vinci multi-dimensional
fluorescence spectroscopy software.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
FTIR Studies
FTIR measurements were carried out to
investigate the nature of chemical effect
caused by doping and is used to identify the
various functional groups present in the
polymeric matrix. FTIR spectra of pure and
5(6) Carboxyfluorescein doped PVA films are
shown in Figure 1 and the peak assignments
are given in the Table 1.

16. ISSN 2321-2810 (Online)
ISSN 2321-8525 (Print)
(JoPC)
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