Barrier embedded chaotic micromixer

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new chaotic passive micromixer named Barrier Embedded Micromixer (BEM), with mixing visualization experimental results. Chaotic mixing in the microchannel has been successfully achieved by introducing periodic barriers on one microchannel wall which cause periodic perturbation in the velocity field of the helical flow. The BEM was made by PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) from SU-8 masters which were fabricated by conventional photolithography. Two fluid flows containing different dyes were driven by a syringe pump in the constant flow rate with Re ≈ 25. Experimental results showed an exponential growth of the interfacial area between two fluid flows, which confirms the chaotic mixing in the BEM.