Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Measuring the Interaction Force Between a Droplet and a Super-hydrophobic Substrate by the Optical Lever Method
Published on: June 14, 2019
Connection between Solubility Parameter Theory and Lattice Theory and the Connection between Solubility Parameters
1Energy Sciences Division, ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Route 22 East, Annandale, New Jersey 08822, United States.
None:
We show using lattice theory and solution theory the fundamental connection between interfacial tensions and solubility parameters [as demonstrated by Murase and Nakamura (MN)], and the reason why they must be correlated, with certain limitations. This requires that the ratio of molecules' volume to their effective surface area of interaction be roughly a constant. This is the case for most molecular species whose size varies as linear chains or sheets, increasing the surface-area proportionally to volume. For molecules which interact via dispersion forces where the theory applies most rigorously, the constant roughly estimated to be ∼ v/a = 1 × 10-8 cm is extremely close to the parameter obtained in MN's correlation. We show how this connects to local composition, both in the bulk and for preferential adsorption at interfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge
Chemical and Solubility Equilibria
Intermolecular Forces
Energetics of Solution Formation
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Formation of the solution requires the solute–solute and solvent–solvent...
Intermolecular Forces in Solutions
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Such a solution is called an ideal solution. A mixture of ideal gases (or gases such as helium and argon,...
Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules,...

