Electric field mediated droplet centering

Double emulsion droplets subjected to a uniform ac electric field self-assemble into highly concentric structures via the dipole/dipole force if the outer droplet has a higher dielectric constant than the suspending liquid. The dielectric constant of the inner droplet has no influence. To minimize f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2008-11, Vol.93 (18), p.184101-184101-3
Main Authors: Bei, Z.-M., Jones, T. B., Tucker-Schwartz, A., Harding, D. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Double emulsion droplets subjected to a uniform ac electric field self-assemble into highly concentric structures via the dipole/dipole force if the outer droplet has a higher dielectric constant than the suspending liquid. The dielectric constant of the inner droplet has no influence. To minimize field-induced droplet distortion, the liquids must be density matched to ∼ 0.1 % . Centering of ∼ 3 to 6 mm diameter droplets is achieved within ∼ 60   s for field strengths of ∼ 10 4   V rms / m in liquids of viscosity ∼ 10 cP. Effective centering depends strongly on frequency if the outer shell is conductive.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.3013577