Connect the drops: using solids as adhesives for liquids

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Interface Science
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Colloidal particles at liquid-liquid interfaces can induce adhesion.
• Understanding this adhesion is crucial for various applications, including emulsions and dispersions.
• The role of particle dynamics and fluid film stabilization in adhesion is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanism of adhesion between liquid phases mediated by colloidal particles.
• To develop theoretical models for the adhesive forces generated by these particles.
• To establish a novel method for determining the three-phase contact angle of particles at fluid interfaces.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of particle dynamics leading to the formation of stabilizing fluid films.
• Development of theoretical models for adhesive forces based on interface shape and surface tension.
• Experimental measurement of forces during interface separation.
• Comparison of model predictions with experimental data.

Main Results:

• Colloidal particles stabilize intervening fluid films, acting as bridges to create adhesion.
• Developed models accurately predict adhesive forces based on physical principles.
• Experimental validation of the models was achieved through force measurements.
• A novel method for determining the three-phase contact angle was successfully demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Colloidal particle-mediated adhesion is governed by a fluid film bridging mechanism.
• The developed models provide a quantitative understanding of the adhesive forces.
• The study presents a new, reliable technique for measuring the three-phase contact angle of particles at fluid interfaces.
• This work has implications for controlling interfacial properties in complex fluids.