Interactions between deformable components of complex fluids

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Complex fluids are multi-component fluids, where different species present in the fluid interact with each other and the fluid surroundings. Such interactions impart novel properties to these fluids, such as phase separation, modification of viscosity, optical density, etc., and ability to respond differently to external forces, particularly electromagnetic. Emulsions, slurries, wastewater, drug formulations, cosmetics, petrochemicals, and biological fluids such as blood are all examples of complex fluids. Some of the above, such as emulsions and biological fluids are characterized by the presence of deformable or flexible entities suspended in them. An emulsion droplet or a cell can deform due to interaction with other cells, as well as in presence of external forces. The proposed research program will continue our efforts toward understanding the outcomes of interactions between the deformable colloidal components of complex fluids. A key focus of our studies will be to develop a predominantly experimental understanding of how external forces alter such interactions, leading to novel applications in the area of separation technologies. With our recently acquired micro particle image velocimetry and simultaneous static and dynamic light scattering facilities, and in conjunction with our existing atomic force microscope, we will characterize the interactions between components of liquid-liquid emulsions and association colloids (emulsions, vesicles, and surfactant stabilized droplets). We will then subject these complex fluids to externally imposed DC and AC electric fields to elucidate their transport behaviour and structural modifications in presence of external forces. Finally, we will explore the phenomenon of AC dielectrophoresis in conjunction with membrane filtration to separate the components of complex fluids. The key applications of the proposed research are (i) in the development of novel approaches for improving oil sands extraction processes related to dewatering of the extracted bitumen, and (ii) in the development of novel separation technologies that can treat oily wastewaters produced in many industrial effluents and in the oil sands tailings.