Issue 18, 2009

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.

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

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 Apr 2009
Accepted
19 Jun 2009
First published
09 Jul 2009

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 2715-2721

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

W. Li, J. Greener, D. Voicu and E. Kumacheva, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 2715 DOI: 10.1039/B906626H

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