Solvent-Based Polymer Swelling Characterization for the Development of the Nano/Micro-Particle Polymer Composite MEMS Corrosion Sensor

The concept of using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for in-situ corrosion sensing and for long-term applications has been proposed and is currently under development by our research lab. This is a new type of sensing using MEMS technology and, to the knowledge of our team, has not been explored previously. The MEMS corrosion sensor is based on the oxidation of metal nano/micro-particle embedded in elastomeric polymer to form a composite sensing element. The polymer controls the diffusion into and out of the sensor while the corrosion of the metal particles inhibits electrical conduction which is used as the detection signal. The work presented here is based on part of the methods developed for the removal of native and process-induced metal oxides. A major aspect is the study of the swelling dynamics of the polymer matrix (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) intended for enhancing material transport of etchants into and reaction products out of the composite during oxide removal. More specifically, the characterization of the swelling of copper particles-PDMS composite samples in liquid solvent baths is presented.© 2014 ASME