Influence of coaxiality on internal mixing of coflow generated droplets

Abstract

Efficient internal mixing stands as a pivotal requirement for droplet-based micro-reactors/micro-mixers facilitated by microfluidic systems. Among the various methods for their production, capillary-generated droplets emerge as a notable approach. Understanding the role of coaxiality within coflow microfluidic devices in influencing internal mixing remains a crucial aspect for optimizing these systems. Coaxiality within inserted cylindrical capillaries significantly affects mixing efficiency according to our experimental observations. Through numerical simulations, the intricate mixing dynamics of reagents inside droplet generated via a coflow capillary microfluidic system has been investigated. We demonstrate that coaxiality profoundly impacts the initial distribution of disperse phases within droplets, shaping subsequent internal mixing dynamics. Contrary to previous assumptions, our findings highlight the substantial impact of marginal deviations in coaxiality, around 20%, on optimizing mixing efficiency. This challenges prior beliefs and emphasizes the nuanced role of coaxiality in microfluidic systems. These insights advance our understanding of coaxiality's critical influence on enhancing mixing efficiency within coflow microfluidic devices, paving the way for improved design strategies and applications in diverse scientific fields.