Aerodynamically assisted jet processing of viscous single- and multi-phase media

Abstract

This paper reports a robust approach for jet-processing viscous media in both the single- and multi-phase. The multi-phase medium (a nanosuspension) has nanosized SiO₂ (5 nm) particulate material at a loading of ∼10 wt% in suspension. Aerodynamically assisted jetting has previously not been applied to the processing of particulate-based high viscosity nanosuspensions. Our investigations demonstrate that it is possible to generate jets, from which droplets are initiated by jet fragmentation, to the drawing of continuous threads in the micrometer range from the processing of particulate suspensions. The study presents an operational guide of applied pressure–flow rate; demarcations identify regions within the map where droplets and threads are generated, together with their respective operational parameters. The effect of applied pressure and flow rate on the jetting process to the generation of droplets to threads together with transmission electron micrographs of the droplet residues forms the discussion in this paper. These investigations into this jetting approach both elucidate and welcome aerodynamically assisted jetting into the micro- and nano-fabrication arena.