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Measurement of dynamic interfacial tension by an expanding drop tensiometer

Journal Article · · Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States)
;  [1]
  1. Illinois Inst. of Technology, Chicago, IL (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering

An accurate, nonintrusive method is described to measure the dynamic tension of dilated liquid-liquid interfaces. In this method, the time-dependent pressure difference across the curved interface of an expanding spherical drop, immersed in the second immiscible phase, was measured as a function of time. A sensitive apparatus employing this principle was constructed. Experiments were performed with a drop of dodecane expanding in an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant. In such a system, the dynamic interfacial tension depends upon the adsorption kinetics of the surfactant. A diffusion/adsorption model was formulated to describe the transport and exchange of surfactant species with the interface and the bulk phases. The analytical solution for this model was in good agreement with experimental data. The experiment also provided a direct value of the Gibbs elasticity. The noninvasivenes and the direct measurement of the capillary pressure make this technique an attractive and powerful tool.

OSTI ID:
6236065
Journal Information:
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States) Vol. 159:1; ISSN 0021-9797; ISSN JCISA5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English