Plasma removal of Parylene C

Parylene C, an emerging material in microelectromechanical systems, is of particular interest in biomedical and lab-on-a-chip applications where stable, chemically inert surfaces are desired. Practical implementation of Parylene C as a structural material requires the development of micropatterning techniques for its selective removal. Dry etching methods are currently the most suitable for batch processing of Parylene structures. A performance comparison of three different modes of Parylene C plasma etching was conducted using oxygen as the primary reactive species. Plasma, reactive ion and deep reactive ion etching techniques were explored. In addition, a new switched chemistry process with alternating cycles of fluoropolymer deposition and oxygen plasma etching was examined to produce structures with vertical sidewalls. Vertical etch rates, lateral etch rates, anisotropy and sidewall angles were characterized for each of the methods. This detailed characterization was enabled by the application of replica casting to obtain cross sections of etched structures in a non-destructive manner. Application of the developed etch recipes to the fabrication of complex Parylene C microstructures is also discussed

Development of offshore outsourcing industry and its influences on training and development- exploring China and Malaysia's experience

It cannot be denied that for the past 3 years since China made its first foray to invite FDI in 1979, the country?s economy has been progressing at a rapid pace. Technical and education advancement have contributed to the nation?s ability to position itself as an important offshore outsourcing destination for the world. At the same time, this industry also contributes to the nation?s economic growth. As at June 2009, China has close to 7000 enterprises focusing on offshore industry. Data shows that this particular sector has provided employment to at least 1.2 million Chinese people. This seems to be similar in Malaysia?s situation where Malaysia too, has begun to offer and further develop this service as it is a key contributor to the country?s GDP. In fact, according to the A. T. Kearney Global Services Location Index of March 2011, China and Malaysia were ranked in the top three offshoring? outsourcing countries in the world. Despite China?s success in the outsourcing industry, many global companies are still experiencing challenges to attract and retain talent in China. The paper examines the skill shortage in China?s offshoring and outsourcing industry and provides insight into Malaysia?s experience with the Human Resources Development Fund on developing its workforce. The paper will also provide some suggestions on the various institutional and policies levers that could address the skills shortage challenges in China

Development Of CNT/SiO2 Fillers Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites

With the progress of time, emphasis on friction and wear of polymer matrix composites is increasingly important. Modest attempt has been made to develop hybrid polymer composites reinforced micro- and nano- sized fillers. Silica (SiO₂) and carboxylic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH) are favored in friction and wear properties were added into polyester resin. This widely used micro filler, SiO₂ were maintained at 10 wt. % while nano filler, MWCNT-COOH were at 0.1 wt. %, 0.3 wt. % and 0.8 wt. %. Prior to the fabrication, ultrasonicator was used to assist the dispersion of SiO₂ and MWCNT-COOHinto unsaturated polyester resin. Elimination of voids was optimized by evacuation of the mixture in vacuum drying oven. Vacuum infusion technique was established to produce pin samples and resin casting method were applied to fabricate samples in rectangle size. Improvement of light weight properties was proven by measurement of density of each ready sample using densitometer. Investigation towards the stiffness and resistance to abrasion of the hybrid composites were performed by Vickers Hardness Test. The samples with only carboxylic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube at different loadings were investigated on the dispersion state by utilizing Transmission Electron Microscope. As received SiO₂ and MWCNT-COOH as well as dispersion state of ready samples were observed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. Spectrums were recorded by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared to identify the relevant bonding or structural changes which show interaction in between fillers and matrix material. Dynamic mechanical analysis was able to provide maximum service temperature, glass transition temperature and viscoelastic behavior of hybrid polyester composites prior to dry sliding test. Pin-on-disc testerwas used to reveal tribological properties of this material. Wear parameters were at sliding speeds of 1.6 m/s, 2.8 m/s and 4.0 m/s as well as applied loads of 5 N, 10 N and 20 N. Wear and friction process were investigated at sliding speed of 4.0 m/s and applied load of 20 N for 2 hours at sliding interval of 15 minutes. Observation of wear surfaces and wear particles has been made using scanning electron microscope. At the optimum loadings, UPR/SiO₂/0.8, agglomerates were observed which has led to further increase of specific wear rates. Interaction in between fillers and matrix had regulated the decrease in specific wear rate and coefficient of friction. Wear and friction of sample pins were protected by transfer film formed after dry sliding. Further sliding has led to detached of transfer or wear particles whether from wear surface of transfer film. Different types of wear particles were observed when types of fillers varied. Sharp and edges wear particles were found on sample with MWCNT-COOH added whereas rounded and least edges wear particles were found in sample with SiO₂ added. The development of this advanced material will give significant implications on application requiring light and low coefficient of friction

Biocompatible parylene neurocages developing a robust method for live neural network studies

We present a refined method and design for fabricating parylene neurocages for in vitro studies of live neural networks. Parylene neurocages are biocompatible and very robust, making them ideally suited for studying the synaptic connections netween individual neurons to gain insight into learning and memory. The neurocage fabrication process is significantly less complex than earlier versions. Previous neurocage designs achieved limited neuronal outgrowth; however, the long-term cell survival rate was 50%

Development of biocompatible parylene neurocages

We present a refined method and design for building parylene neurocages for in vitro studies of live neural networks. Parylene neurocages are biocompatible and very robust, making them ideally suited for studying the synaptic connections between individual neurons to gain insight into learning and memory. The neurocage fabrication process is significantly less complex than earlier versions. Previous neurocage designs achieved limited neuronal outgrowth; however, the long-term cell survival rate was 50%

Bottom partner B' and Zb production at the LHC

Some new physics models, such as "beautiful mirrors" scenario, predict the existence of the bottom partner $B'$. Considering the constraints from the data for the $Z\rightarrow b\bar{b}$ branching ratio $R_{b}$ and the $FB$ asymmetry $A_{FB}^{b}$ on the relevant free parameters, we calculate the contributions of $B'$ to the cross section $\sigma(Zb)$ and the $Z$ polarization asymmetry $A_{Z}$ for $Zb$ production at the $LHC$. We find that the bottom partner $B'$ can generate significant corrections to $\sigma(Zb)$ and $A_{Z}$, which might be detected in near future.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures. Version published in Phys. Lett.

A parylene MEMS flow sensing array

We have demonstrated the first parylene MEMS thermal sensor array capable of detecting small flows down to 0.5 µl/min. The device is fabricated using low-temperature parylene/platinum technology and consists of metallic sensors suspended on a membrane over a bulk micromachined silicon channel. For the first time, insightful results from three different methods of flow sensing using a single device are studied and compared. Multi-mode testing using hot film, calorimetric, and time-of-flight techniques at low overheat ratios has been performed. Thus, this device is biocompatible in both construction and operation