Multiple modular microfluidic (M3) reactors for the synthesis of polymer particles

Abstract

We report a study of the continuous generation of polymer particles in parallel multiple modular microfluidic (M3) reactors. Each module consisted of sixteen parallel microfluidic reactors comprising emulsification and polymerization compartments. We identified and minimized the effects of the following factors that could result in the broadening of the distribution of sizes of the particles synthesized in the M3 reactors, in comparison with an individual microfluidic reactor: (i) the fidelity in the fabrication of multiple microfluidic droplet generators; (ii) the crosstalk between parallel droplet generators sharing liquid supply sources; and (iii) the coalescence of precursor droplets and/or partly polymerized polymer particles. Our results show that the M3 reactors can produce polymer microgel particles with polydispersity not exceeding 5% at a productivity of approximately 50 g/h.