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Stability of microbubbles prepared by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomisation.
U Farook1, Eleanor Stride, M J Edirisinghe
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, UK.
European Biophysics Journal : EBJ
|January 10, 2009
Summary
Microbubble stability, crucial for applications, is enhanced by increasing gas concentration in surrounding fluids. This study reveals gas concentration as the primary factor influencing microbubble dissolution rates, offering insights for improved preparation methods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Microbubbles prepared via co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomisation (CEHDA) exhibit lower stability compared to those produced by sonication or microfluidic techniques.
- Understanding the factors contributing to CEHDA microbubble instability is essential for optimizing their preparation and application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying reasons for the reduced stability of microbubbles produced by CEHDA.
- To identify key parameters influencing microbubble dissolution rates and stability.
- To propose strategies for enhancing the stability of CEHDA-prepared microbubbles.
Main Methods:
- Microbubbles were generated using CEHDA with glycerol-air, glycerol-Tween 80-air, and glycerol-zirconia-air systems.
- Comparison involved simple agitation of glycerol-air and glycerol-Tween 80-air systems.
- Dissolution rates were analyzed theoretically and experimentally, considering surface tension, gas diffusivity, and dissolved gas concentration.
Main Results:
- Theoretical and experimental data confirmed that surface tension, gas diffusivity, and dissolved gas concentration collectively control microbubble dissolution.
- Differences in the initial concentration of dissolved gas in the surrounding liquid were identified as the primary cause for varying microbubble stability across different preparation methods.
- CEHDA-prepared microbubbles showed significantly different dissolution rates influenced by the surrounding gas concentration.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced stability of CEHDA-prepared microbubbles can be achieved by increasing the dissolved gas concentration in the collecting fluid.
- Strategies include saturating the collecting fluid with gas and maintaining a high concentration of microbubbles during the collection process.
- Addressing dissolved gas concentration offers a direct pathway to improve microbubble performance in various applications.