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Interfacial tension theory for low molecular weight and polymer systems

Book ·
OSTI ID:5691833

This work reports on the development of an interfacial tension theory applicable to low molecular weight fluids and polymer systems. The theoretical treatment includes a rederivation of the free energy minimization formalism for inhomogeneous systems in the gradient approximation. The gradient approach is then combined with a slightly modified version of the lattice fluid model. The resulting theory describes liquid-vapor and liquid-liquid interfaces of pure and mixed nonpolar and slightly polar systems away from the critical region. The interfacial equations are amenable to numerical evaluation, and the theoretical predictions were tested against experiment for the cases of pure components and binary mixtures.

OSTI ID:
5691833
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English