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Science 12 January 2001:
Vol. 291. no. 5502, pp. 277 - 280
DOI: 10.1126/science.291.5502.277
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Reports

Fluid Control in Multichannel Structures by Electrocapillary Pressure

M. W. J. Prins,* W. J. J. Welters, J. W. Weekamp

We demonstrate control of fluid motion in three-dimensional structures with thousands of microchannels. Fluids are manipulated via an electrocapillary pressure, originating from electrostatic control of the solid/fluid interfacial tension in the microchannels. Reversible fluid displacement has been achieved for all channel orientations with respect to gravity. The velocities of several centimeters per second are nearly two orders of magnitude higher than the velocities demonstrated by other electrofluidic actuation principles.

Philips Research Eindhoven, Prof. Holstlaan 4, NL-5656 AA Eindhoven, Netherlands.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: menno.prins{at}philips.com

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