Generation of droplets of shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids in T-junction parallelized microchannels

The study of shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids in T-junction parallelized microchannels provides valuable insights into the emulsification process and droplet generation synchronicity. Silicone oil is used as the continuous phase, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) aqueous solutions are used as the dispersed phase. Based on the evolution of the dispersed phase head and neck characteristic size, the droplet generation is classified into four stages: the waiting stage, filling stage, necking stage, and pinch-off stage. The effects of the two-phase flow rates and rheological characteristics of shear-thinning fluids on the four stages are investigated. Additionally, the coupling of interface evolution between parallelized microchannels is studied, revealing periodic changes between synchronous and asynchronous droplet generation types. The impact of this phenomenon on droplet monodispersity is analyzed, providing crucial information for the preparation of uniform droplets.