Emulsification with microstructured systems : process principles

The aim of this thesis is to elucidate the underlying processes and mechanisms that determine the droplet size of emulsions produced with microstructured systems, such as premix microstructure homogenization and microchannel emulsification. The ultimate goal is to describe these methods based on detailed knowledge on droplet break-up and droplet formation mechanisms. This includes, amongst others, the influence of viscosity of the (to-be) dispersed and continuous phase, interfacial tension, velocity, and the geometry of the system on droplet break-up and formation. This was done both computationally and experimentally. The insight that was generated was translated into several design rules that can be used for optimization