Issue 24, 2011

Partial-post laplace barriers for virtual confinement, stable displacement, and >5 cm s−1 electrowetting transport

Abstract

Laplace barriers composed of full-posts or ridges have been previously reported as a mechanism for virtual fluid confinement, but with unstable displacement (capillary fingering or fluid trapping, respectively). A new platform of ‘partial-posts’ eliminates the disadvantages of full-posts or ridges, while providing ∼60–80% open channel area for rapid electrowetting fluid transport (>5 cm s−1). The fluid mechanics of partial-post Laplace barriers are far more complex than previous Laplace barriers as it involves two mechanisms: fluid can first begin to propagate either between, or under, the partial-posts. Careful design of channel and partial-post geometries is required, else one mechanism will dominate over the other. The physics and performance of partial-post Laplace barriers are verified using theoretical equations, experimental results, and dynamic numerical modeling.

Graphical abstract: Partial-post laplace barriers for virtual confinement, stable displacement, and >5 cm s−1 electrowetting transport

Additions and corrections

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
11 Aug 2011
Accepted
07 Oct 2011
First published
28 Oct 2011

Lab Chip, 2011,11, 4221-4227

Partial-post laplace barriers for virtual confinement, stable displacement, and >5 cm s−1 electrowetting transport

E. Kreit, B. M. Mognetti, J. M. Yeomans and J. Heikenfeld, Lab Chip, 2011, 11, 4221 DOI: 10.1039/C1LC20749K

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