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Polymer stretch in two-phase microfluidics: Effect of wall wettability
Ssu-Wei Hu1, Yu-Jane Sheng, Heng-Kwong Tsao
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
Biomicrofluidics
|June 14, 2013
Summary
This study explores polymer stretching in microfluidics using particle dynamics. Flow patterns and polymer extension are controllable via wall wettability and flow conditions.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Polymer physics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Two-phase microfluidics offers unique flow control for polymer processing.
- Understanding polymer stretching dynamics is crucial for material science applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate polymer stretching in two-phase microfluidic systems.
- To determine the influence of flow parameters and wall wettability on polymer extension.
Main Methods:
- Dissipative particle dynamics simulations were employed.
- Flow patterns were analyzed under varying wall wettability, flowrate ratios, and Reynolds numbers (Re).
Main Results:
- Neutral/partially wettable walls: Segmented flows observed, stretching controlled by Re and segment length.
- High Re: Stratified flows, extension tunable by flowrate ratio.
- Nonwettable walls: Slug flows, stretching controlled by Re and slug length.
- High Re/flowrate ratio: Annular flows, high extension ratios achieved.
Conclusions:
- Wall wettability and flow parameters significantly control polymer stretching in two-phase microfluidics.
- Specific flow regimes (segmented, stratified, slug, annular) enable tailored polymer extension.
- Dissipative particle dynamics is effective for studying these complex microfluidic phenomena.
