Abstract

We report on small-angle neutron scattering measurements obtained in situ on three-dimensional aqueous foams stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate. Isotropic as well as anisotropic scattering data have been collected for two kinds of foams: wet foams in the steady-state regime of constant gas bubbling and dry foams under free draining conditions. Reliable scattering spectra were obtained within a few minutes, even for very dry foams. All spectra have a basic I(q) ∼ q-4 behavior on which a foam specific structure is superposed. The q-4 decrease at low q can be interpreted in terms of a Porod law from which the average bubble size is determined for both wet and dry foams. For wet foams, the intensity is modulated at high q by the structural organization of the surfactants in the liquid fraction of the foam (micelles). Remarkably, for dry foams only, the structure also appears at intermediate q, corresponding to the film thickness. This structure can be enhanced by using deuterated sodium dodecyl sulfate to ...

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