Optimal conditions and generation mechanism of jet atomization for uniform distribution of nano- and micro-droplets

This study provides a jet atomization technique to uniformly distribute nano- and micro-particles on the substrate by enclosing them in water droplets to avoid their aggregation. Jet atomization is a two-dimensional uniform spray and is generated using a diaphragm. The ideal jet atomization was achieved when the diaphragm was highly hydrophilic (contact angle 9.8 degrees), and the spring constant was approximately 1.27 N m(-1). The several experiments in this study supported the idea that jet atomization was caused by surface wave formed on the water film, rather than by boiling or cavitation of the water. The resonance between the diaphragm and the surface wave was investigated using a simple model. The results of this study can be expected to make fundamental contributions to pharmacy, medicine, and environmental science, where the uniform distribution of fine particles such as drugs, DNAs, and microplastics is required for the analyses of their properties.