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Published on: March 9, 2021
Strain-induced droplet retraction memory in a pickering emulsion
Lydiane Bécu1, Lazhar Benyahia
1Polymeres, Colloides, Interfaces, UMR 6120 Universite du Maine-CNRS, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans, France.
Summary
Polystyrene particles on water droplets slow down relaxation and cause unique flow singularities. Droplet relaxation time increases with strain, indicating a memory effect in Pickering emulsions.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pickering emulsions are stabilized by solid particles at the interface.
- Understanding droplet deformation and relaxation is crucial for emulsion stability and behavior.
- The role of particle-covered interfaces in fluid dynamics is an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the deformation and relaxation dynamics of particle-covered water droplets.
- To compare the behavior of particle-stabilized droplets with pure droplets.
- To identify unique phenomena induced by particle interfaces during large strain events.
Main Methods:
- Studying the response of water droplets coated with polystyrene latex particles (200 nm) to large strain jumps.
- Observing droplet deformation and retraction in an immiscible fluid.
- Analyzing the kinetics and relaxation times of the process.
Main Results:
- Particle-covered droplets exhibit slower retraction kinetics than pure water droplets.
- Flow singularities, not seen in pure droplets, are induced by the particle interface.
- The terminal relaxation time shows a linear dependence on the applied strain.
Conclusions:
- Solid particles at the droplet interface significantly alter relaxation dynamics.
- The linear increase in relaxation time suggests a memory effect in particle-stabilized emulsions.
- These findings provide insights into the complex behavior of Pickering emulsions.
