Droplet motions directed by an expansion section in the T-junctions

Abstract

The controlled motion of droplets in microfluidic chips is a preliminary requirement to realize their functions. The influence of the expansion section on the droplet motion is mainly investigated in the T-junction. The droplet dynamic characteristics are analyzed at the junction and the applicable flow rate of the expansion section is explored. The expansion section can reduce the entered length and motion time of the droplet when droplets flow into the channel with it, and finally avoid the possibility of droplet splitting. Even under a large difference of the branch flow rate, the expansion section can direct the droplet into its located channel. It is found that with the increase in continuous phase flow rate, the effect of the expansion section on the droplet motion behavior is gradually weakened until it disappears. Moreover, the critical conditions of it can be obtained by theoretical calculation. The expansion section can direct droplet motion in both symmetric and asymmetric junctions. However, it is mainly achieved by influencing the interfacial tension of the droplets in the symmetric junction, while the key force is related to the droplet motion in the asymmetric junction. Specifically, the expansion section influences the differential pressure force to direct the droplet in the flow into the side branch (with expansion section) mode, but it varies the interfacial tension of the droplet in the flow into the main branch mode.