In this study, a prototype micro-scale photomask and microfluidic channel mold were fabricated using the thermal shrinkage of thepolymer. A polystyrene (PS) sheet was used as the heat-shrink polymer, and the patterns of the photomask and microchannel are interdigitatedelectrodes. Patterns were formed on the PS sheets using a commercial laser printer. The contraction ratio of the PS sheet wasapproximately 60% at a temperature of 150oC, and the transmittance was reduced by approximately 0% at a wavelength of 365 nm.
The microfluidic channel had a round shape. The proposed technique is simple, facile, and inexpensive for fabricating a micro-scale photomaskand microfluidic channel mold and does not involve the use of any harmful materials. Thus, this technique is well-suited forfabricating diverse micro-scale patterns and channels for prototype devices, including sensors.