Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
Direct observation of capillary condensation of a solid
1Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia.
Abstract:
We describe the direct condensation of a solid from vapor in an annular mica wedge. Neo-pentanol initially condenses as a liquid from 8 to 57 degrees C (the melting point T(m)), followed by nucleation of a solid from vapor for T<45 degrees C. Menthol (T(m) = 42 degrees C) gives only liquid condensates down to 12 degrees C. The adsorbed films of neo-pentanol, which unlike those of menthol show layering transitions, and the disordered crystalline phase of bulk neo-pentanol appear to facilitate condensation of the solid phase. There is evidence for a change in the nature of the solid neo-pentanol condensate with T.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Types of Coprecipitation
Sometimes, ions in a crystal lattice can undergo isomorphous replacement by inclusions of similar charge and size. For...
Sublimation
Volatilization
Rise of Liquid in a Capillary Tube
Capillarity in Fluid
Surface tension is crucial to capillarity. It results from cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the liquid-air boundary, forming a skin that resists external forces. When the capillary tube...

