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2012 - 11th Annual NC State Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Session Time :
8/1/12 3:00 PM - 8/1/12 4:14 PM
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Content Area : Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD)
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Lead Student Presenters : Chima U Igboko
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Abstract Title : CNT Deposition in Microfluidic Channels
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Abstract :
The goal of this research project is to study the transport and deposition from liquid streams containing dilute concentrations of carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) in micro-channels.This study has applications to particle transport and deposition in human lungs and can be used in the development of a computational model of the human bronchia. Such a model would be instrumental in industries that process nano-particles where worker exposure may lead to acute or chronic health problems. Micro-channel devices were developed using PDMS, a silicon wafer with a 100 µm width, and plasma treatment. A system was set-up that pumped a carbon nano-tube (CNT) and deionized water solution through the micro-fluidic device at various pressures (6-10 psig). A minimum clearance pressure was determined by performing experiments at low pressures (< 6 psi) until no clogging of the channels appeared. During the experiments performed at pressure above 6 psig a high-speed camera captured images of the channel every 3 minutes. The images were then analyzed using a MATLAB program. Preliminary data shows that aggregation of the CNT’s were sustained and deposition rates clearly depend on flow rate. Despite these observations the experimental system developed has proved problematic due to several issues that we are working to resolve, including device leakage and loss of pressure.
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Mentor and/or Co-Author :
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