Programmable droplets: Leveraging digitally-responsive flow fields to actively tune liquid morphologies

Abstract

Stimulus-responsive materials enable programmable and adaptive behaviors. Typical solid-phase systems can only achieve small deformations for applications where shape transformations are beneficial or required. Liquids, in contrast, can self-assemble and achieve very high strains in a multifluid environment. Here we report liquid droplet formation by tuning flow potential within a confined fluidic cell. We digitally inject small volumes of liquid-pigment into an otherwise-transparent liquid layer, generating macroscopic droplet assembly over large areas constrained between closely-spaced plates. Droplet morphology is actively controlled by modulating outlet conditions to tune flow fields. Pattern stability is maintained through control over injection rate, interfacial viscosity difference, and interfacial surface tension. We demonstrate time-dependent droplet formation and migration to achieve spatially-tunable optical properties. Applied as a multi-cell array, we imagine this liquid mechanism will enable scalable pattern dynamics for active shading and visual display technologies.