Photodeformable polymer material: towards light-driven micropump applications

The deformation of a photodeformable film material is studied based as regards the constitutive relations. In the theoretical analysis, a model for the deflection of the laminated sample upon the irradiation of ultraviolet (UV) light is established and the bending moment is deduced. Furthermore, the deflection of the film can be calculated using finite-element analysis (FEA) software. Then the attempt to utilize the superior characteristics including shape memory and large internal force on the application of a micropump is undertaken in our study. The force produced in the reciprocating deformation of the film sample is of potential to activate the pump membrane. A set of experimental devices are designed to test the performance of the membrane in the experiment. The flow volume in a stroke is close to simulation result obtained by FEA.