Micromixing optimization of non-newtonian fluids with heterogeneous zeta potential

Abstract

This paper aims to improve micromixing in T-shaped microchannels using heterogeneous zeta potential, which is essential for analyzing biochemical fluids in various industrial applications. We investigate the impact of different parameters, including zeta potential, applied electric field, and a number of heterogeneous surface patterns, on microchannel mixing performance. Our results demonstrate that increasing the zeta potential on the heterogeneous pair patches amplifies the recirculation zone, improving mixing performance within the microchannel. Therefore, we recommend increasing the value of heterogeneous zeta potential on the patches to enhance the mixing performance further. Additionally, we examine the non-Newtonian behavior of the fluid using the power law model and find that pseudoplastic fluids (n < 1) have lower mixing performance compared to dilatant fluids (n > 1) due to higher velocity. We evaluate the effects of various parameters on mixing performance to design an efficient micromixer that achieves rapid and homogeneous mixing of sample fluids. Finally, we optimize the micromixing efficiency using Taguchi to achieve the optimum value of mixing. The optimized value of micromixing efficiency for the corresponding non-Newtonian fluid is also determined.