Abstract
THE work of Rehbinder and his co-workers on the effect of surface-active substances on the strength of crystalline solids has been followed with considerable interest in this laboratory. In a paper published with Lichtman and Maslennikov, Rehbinder1 reports a 50 per cent decrease in the yield value of single crystals of tin and zinc when immersed in a 0·2 per cent solution of oleic acid in a non-polar paraffin oil. He also reports a five-fold increase in the electrical resistance of a single crystal of tin when elongated almost to fracture in the same solution, in comparison with the resistance of a specimen of the same orientation similarly extended in air. These effects are ascribed to the opening and extension of the micro-cracks in the crystal by the 'wedging action' of a film of liquid drawn into the micro-cracks by an adsorbed layer of oleic acid molecules. This principle of 'adsorption reduction of hardness' has been widely applied in various processes for the mechanical destruction of brittle bodies2.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
