Modeling Nonclassical Heterogeneous Bubble Nucleation from Cellulose Fibers: Application to Bubbling in Carbonated Beverages

Abstract

In this paper, the kinetics of CO(2) bubble nucleation from tiny gas pockets trapped inside cellulose fibers immersed in a glass of champagne were investigated, in situ, from high-speed video recordings. Taking into account the diffusion of CO(2)-dissolved molecules from the liquid bulk to the gas pocket, a model was derived which enabled us to connect the kinetics of bubble nucleation with both fiber and liquid parameters. Convection was found to play a major role in this process. The boundary layer around the gas pocket where a gradient of CO(2)-dissolved molecules exists was also indirectly approached and found to be in the order of 10-20 mum. Because most of the particles adsorbed on the wall of a container or vessel free from any particular treatment are also believed to be cellulose fibers coming from the surrounding air, the results of this paper could be indeed extended to the more general field of nonclassical heterogeneous bubble nucleation from supersaturated liquids.