Features of Deformation of Droplets of Magnetic Emulsions in an Alternating Electric Field

Abstract

Features of deformation of microdroplets of magnetic emulsions in an alternating electric field were experimentally investigated. It was shown that the deformation behavior can vary depending on the frequency of the electric field: at low frequencies, the droplets flatten along the field direction, and at higher frequencies, they elongate. It was found that the frequency value corresponding to the transition from the flattened to the elongated droplet shape depends on the electrical conductivity of the droplet, the intensity of the electric field, and temperature. It was demonstrated that the droplet deformation caused by the electric field can be compensated for by the additional application of a magnetic field. Analysis of the obtained results took into account the movement of liquid phases due to the accumulation of free charge at the interfaces of the droplets and the electrodes creating the field.