NOVEL FAST-MIXING SYSTEM UTILIZING MICRODROPLETS

This paper proposes a concept of novel fast-mixing micromixer utilizing mixing of droplets. Here, two kinds of droplets containing different solutions inside are generated, mixed and coalesced to mix two solutes. The key technology is microdroplet mixing in a microchannel to obtain homogeneous dispersion. We have found mixing behavior of droplets from the observation by fluorescent microscope. In order to achieve fast droplet mixing, dispersed-phase’s volume ratio of 20-30% and faster flow speed are effective for the mixing. Subsequently, utilizing these results, the novel microreactor was demonstrated by luminol reaction.