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Facile microfluidic method for measuring the relaxation time of dilute polymer solution based on viscoelastic particle focusing

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Abstract

The relaxation time of a viscoelastic fluid is an essential parameter for characterizing the degree of elasticity. However, measuring the relaxation time of dilute polymer solutions with low viscosity using conventional rotational rheometers remains challenging because of the low instrument sensitivity. In this study, we demonstrate an efficient microfluidic method for measuring the relaxation time of a dilute polymer solution by utilizing elasticity-driven lateral particle migration in a microchannel. First, the previous theoretical model was refined, based on the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation, in order to predict lateral particle migration in a viscoelastic fluid with constant shear viscosity, considering the inlet and finite particle size effects. This model was utilized to determine the relaxation times of dilute poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) aqueous solutions. Direct comparison of the measured relaxation times with those obtained from Zimm theory verified the reliability of the proposed method. The current approach is expected to be useful in characterizing the relaxation times of a wide range of polymer solutions.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Ajou University Research Fund, grant number [S-2019-G0001-00498].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea

    Yoonyoung Jung, Tae Soup Shim & Ju Min Kim

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Korea

    Tae Soup Shim & Ju Min Kim

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  1. Yoonyoung Jung
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  2. Tae Soup Shim
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  3. Ju Min Kim
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Correspondence to Tae Soup Shim or Ju Min Kim.

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Jung, Y., Shim, T.S. & Kim, J.M. Facile microfluidic method for measuring the relaxation time of dilute polymer solution based on viscoelastic particle focusing. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 39, 2318–2323 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-022-1152-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-022-1152-x

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