Foam and wetting films: electrostatic and steric stabilization

Abstract

Foam films and wetting films on quartz, obtained from aqueous solutions of two different surfactants [cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer (F108)] with NaCl as a background electrolyte, are considered as convenient models to compare the properties of symmetric (free thin liquid films) and asymmetric (thin liquid films on solid substrate) films with the same air/solution interface. Microinterferometric methodology of assessment of foam and wetting films is used to allow precise determination of the film thickness. In the case of CTAB films, experimental data for the potential ϕ 0 of the diffuse electric layer at the solution/air interface and the potential ϕ 1 at the solution/quartz interface are used to analyze the stability of the films studied. A conclusion drawn is that electrostatic interaction forces stabilize both kinds of films studied. It is shown that with increasing CTAB concentration a charge reversal occurs at both the solution/air and solution/quartz interfaces that determines the stability/instability of the foam and wetting films. Concentration ranges where both types of films produce stable (equilibrium) films are found. There are also concentration ranges where the films either rupture or are metastable (quasi-equilibrium). The CTAB concentration ranges, which provide formation of unstable (rupturing and metastable) and stable films, are different for symmetric (foam) and asymmetric (wetting) thin liquid films. It is only at high CTAB concentrations (>2×10 −4 mol dm −3) that both cases render formation of stable equilibrium films. In the case of F108 films, the comparison of foam films and wetting films on quartz indicates film stability that is either electrostatic or steric in origin. On the basis of the effect of electrolyte concentration on film thickness, the transition from electrostatic to steric stabilization is demonstrated for both kinds of films. The critical electrolyte concentration at which this transition occurs is determined. Foam films are found to be always stable (equilibrium). Formation of either unstable (rupturing and metastable) or stable (equilibrium) wetting films on quartz is established depending on the solution composition. The effects are similar for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic quartz surfaces. The results obtained show certain similarity between foam and wetting films. In both cases, electrostatic forces below the critical electrolyte concentration, and above it steric forces govern film stability. Some specific properties of the wetting films are induced by the asymmetric boundary conditions as distinct from symmetric foam films.