Effect of capillary arrays on the profile of multi-layer micro-capillary films

Abstract Multi-layer micro-capillary films (MCFs) have broad application prospects in the micro-fluid field. These films consist of two-dimensional arrays of hollow microcapillaries. The arrangements of hollow microcapillary arrays in extrusion die strongly influence the shape and size of multi-layer MCFs. However, most of the studies focus on a single-layer film. In this study, the models of multi-layer MCF extrusion die with hollow capillary arrays from one layer to four layers have been modeled. Numerical simulations show that when the hollow capillary arrays in different layers are aligned, the aspect ratio of the capillary is smaller and the flow resistance is small, so this kind of multi-layer MCF is suitable for micro-reactor and melt pump. When the hollow capillary arrays in different layers are non-aligned, the aspect ratio of the capillary is relatively larger and the specific surface is bigger, so this kind of multi-layer MCF has a high capability of heat exchange and is suitable for micro heat exchangers.