Experimental Analysis of Porosity and Permeability in Pressed Paper

Micromachines (Basel). 2016 Mar 14;7(3):48. doi: 10.3390/mi7030048.

Abstract

In this paper, we report an analysis of pressed paper in terms of porosity and permeability. Previously, we reported a pressed paper that exhibits decreased porosity and permeability. Additionally, its applications into programmed sample delivery as well as flow rate control were reported. However, there is a need for a theoretical analysis of pressed paper in terms of porosity and permeability for a more precise design principle and its applications because porosity and permeability are important factors in determining fluidic behavior. Here, we propose a theoretical model for analyzing decreased porosity and permeability in pressed paper. Porosity and permeability of pressed paper were quantitatively calculated using experimental results with a theoretical model. Furthermore, based on the analyzed results of porosity and permeability in pressed paper, a porosity⁻permeability relationship was investigated.

Keywords: paper-based microfluidics; permeability; porosity; pressed paper.