Microfluidic exploration of the phase diagram of a surfactant/water binary system.
We investigate the behavior of a binary surfactant solution (AOT/water) as it is progressively concentrated in microfluidic evaporators. We observe in time a succession of phase transitions from a dilute solution up to a dense state, which eventually grows and invades the microchannels. Analyzing these observations, we show that, with a few experiments and a limited amount of material, our microdevices permit a semiquantitative screening of the equilibrium phase diagram as well as a few kinetic observations.
Leng
J
J
LOF, unité mixte CNRS/Rhodia/Bordeaux-I, 178 avenue du Dr Schweitzer, F-33608 Pessac Cedex, France. jacques.leng-exterieur@eu.rhodia.com
Joanicot
M
M
Ajdari
A
A
D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods*; D005898:Glass; D007700:Kinetics; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000737:chemistry; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D008074:Lipoproteins; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D014867:Water