Electrokinetic device employing a non-newtonian liquid

摘要

A non-Newtonian fluid is used in an electrokinetic device to produce electroosmotic flow therethrough. The nonlinear viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid allows the electrokinetic device to behave differently under different operating conditions, such as externally applied pressures and electric potentials. Electrokinetic devices can be used with a non-Newtonian fluid in a number of applications, including but not limited to electrokinetic pumps, flow controllers, diaphragm valves, and displacement systems.