IIT Kanpur's research on binary fluids to help food processing, pharmaceutical industries

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the behaviour of turbulent mixtures like oil and water, challenging existing theories and opening new possibilities for industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Published in the journal "Communications Physics" by Nature Group, the study sheds light on how these binary fluids settle back into separate layers after vigorous mixing. This relaxation process, previously shrouded in mystery, holds immense potential for optimizing production and improving product quality in various industries, the researchers found.

The study, led by Supratik Banerjee, along with research scholars Nandita Pan and Arijit Halder from the department of physics, IIT Kanpur, explores the detailed process of how such a binary fluid relaxes when the stirring is withdrawn.

Their findings reveal that the bulk of each fluid and its interface relax in distinct ways. Yet, both follow a universal pathway called the principle of vanishing nonlinear transfers (PVNLT), discovered by the same team recently.

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The relaxation process in binary fluids differs significantly from that of single-fluid systems. This distinction arises from the presence of an additional factor called scalar energy, which plays a crucial role in understanding how these mixtures settle.

Research findings

Banerjee highlighted the potential of these discoveries for industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Understanding the relaxation behaviour of binary fluids can lead to:

• More efficient production methods: Reducing waste and costs in manufacturing emulsions like mayonnaise, antacid liquids, shampoos, and body creams.

• Improved product stability and consistency: Ensuring longer shelf life and better quality for consumers.

• Enhanced drug formulations in pharmaceuticals: Leading to more effective medications with improved patient outcomes.