No abstract

Droplet-based microreactors often uncover fascinating phenomena and exhibit diverse functionality, which make them applicable in various fields. Liquid marbles (LMs) are non-wetting droplets coated with particles, and these features highlight their potential as microreactors. However, sophisticated experimental designs are typically hindered because it is difficult to obtain sufficient substance mixing in these miniature, damage-prone, selfsupporting liquid containers. Here, we demonstrate that subjecting LMs to vertical oscillations by audio signals represents a controllable approach that allows sufficient mixing with variable dynamic modes. The characteristics and key issues in LM oscillation are systematically explored. The effects of oscillation on application potential are examined. Under oscillation conditions, homogeneous mixing can be achieved within a few seconds in LMs consisting of either water or viscous liquids. Importantly, the structures of materials synthesized in LMs can be regulated by modulating the oscillation modes. The variable modes, flexible adjustability, high efficiency, and wide applicability of this oscillation method make it a verified manipulation strategy for advancing the functionality of LM microreactors.

Mechanically-weak superhydrophobic soot films are suitable for liquid marble production.

Millifluidics, the manipulation of liquid flow in millimeter-sized channels, has been a revolutionary concept in chemical processing and engineering. The solid channels that contain the liquids, though, are not flexible in their design and modification, and prevent contact with the external environment. All-liquid constructs, on the other hand, while flexible and open, are imbedded in a liquid environment. Here, we provide a route to circumvent these limitations by encasing the liquids in a hydrophobic powder in air that jams on the surface, containing and isolating flowing fluids, offering flexibility and adaptability in design, as manifest in the ability to reconfigure, graft, and segment the constructs. Along with the open nature of these powder-contained channels that allow arbitrary connections/disconnections and substance addition/extraction, numerous applications can be opened in the biological, chemical, and material arenas.

The composite material crossarm has excellent insulation, water repellency, light weight and high strength, which can effectively improve the safety level of the power line. Research results showed that the dry flash lightning voltage and wet flash frequency voltage of the composite crossarms were increased by 50% and 39% respectively, compared to the angle steel crossarms fixed with the same size insulator and the same air gap; corresponding wet frequency withstand voltage and filthy resistance voltage were increased by 117% and 30%, respectively; and the wet and filthy flashover all occurred on the surface of the composite material crossarms.