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Updated: May 9, 2026
07:57
Accurate Determination of the Equilibrium Surface Tension Values with Area Perturbation Tests
Published on: August 30, 2019
Surface tension, surface energy, and chemical potential due to their difference
1Field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 10, 2013
Summary
Surface tension and surface energy differ in solids, but this difference diminishes over time. Our model shows mass transfer kinetics drive this change, linking it to chemical potential differences.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Surface tension and surface energy are distinct thermodynamic properties for solids.
- Previous work suggested the difference between surface tension and surface energy is transient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between surface tension, surface energy, and kinetics in solids.
- To model the process by which the difference between surface tension and surface energy is eliminated.
Main Methods:
- Developed a thermodynamic model for a single-component system, neglecting elastic energy changes.
- Related the chemical potential difference between surface and bulk to the difference between surface tension and surface energy.
- Assumed mass transfer is driven by this chemical potential difference.
Main Results:
- The chemical potential difference is proportional to the difference between surface tension and surface energy.
- Established a kinetic model for mass transfer that reduces the difference between surface tension and surface energy.
Conclusions:
- The difference between surface tension and surface energy in solids is kinetically limited by mass transfer.
- This work provides a model for understanding the time-dependent evolution of surface properties.
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