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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Glass-Based Devices to Generate Drops and Emulsions

Glass-Based Devices to Generate Drops and Emulsions

Published on: April 5, 2022

Will it float? Using cylindrical disks and rods to measure and model capillary forces.

C W Extrand¹, Sung In Moon

¹Entegris, Inc., 3500 Lyman Boulevard, Chaska, Minnesota 55318, USA. chuck_extrand@entegris.com

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids

|February 26, 2009

Summary

Small polymer disks and rods can float on liquids. Maximum flotation length depends on rod diameter, liquid surface tension, and density differences, predictable with a simple model.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Fluid Dynamics
Surface Chemistry

Background:

Understanding solid object flotation in liquids is crucial for various applications.
The behavior of small objects at liquid interfaces presents unique physical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the flotation behavior of small polymer disks and rods in liquids.
To determine factors influencing the maximum floatable length of these objects.
To develop a predictive model for flotation phenomena.

Main Methods:

Experimental observation of polymer disks/rods placed in containers with slowly added liquids.
Systematic variation of polymer dimensions (length, diameter) and liquid properties (surface tension, density).
Development and application of an analytical model based on material properties.

Main Results:

Maximum floatable rod length inversely correlated with rod diameter.
Increased liquid surface tension or decreased density difference enhanced flotation capabilities.
The analytical model successfully predicted maximum flotation lengths based on material properties.

Conclusions:

Flotation of small polymer objects is governed by a balance of forces influenced by geometry and fluid properties.
Surface tension and density differences are key parameters for controlling flotation.
The developed analytical model provides a reliable method for predicting flotation limits.