Abstract
A 1D model based on Darcy’s law is proposed to allow quantitative measurements of the penetration depth of water-glycerol-hexanediol mixtures in thin porous media using an Automatic Scanning Absorptometer (ASA). The limitations of this 1D model are discussed with respect to the nozzle dimensions and the liquid penetration depth. The penetration depth scales with liquid (viscosity and surface tension (η, σ)) and media parameters (average pore radius (r)) as predicted by Darcy’s law for Al2O3 disks that are inert to the liquid components. The penetration dynamics in PVDF and MCE filter membranes show a deviation from Darcy’s law, indicating specific liquid – media interaction with at least one of the liquid components. Furthermore a linear time regime is observed in the early stages of liquid penetration for time scales much larger than for which inertia effects are expected. This can on the one hand indicate that either, the liquid does not move into the fibrous samples as a homogenous liquid, or that the porous material deforms during the liquid imbibition process. On the other hand, it could be an effect resulting from the complexity of the porous structure itself and an indication of surface film flow formation.
Highlights
Liquid transport in porous media is a very interesting, but generally very complex physical phenomenon, which has a large range of possible applications in everyday life
The media are reasonably considered homogenous over the thickness of the membranes, which should still allow the use of Darcy’s law to predict the liquid penetration dynamics
We have shown the applicability of automated scanning absorptometer (ASA) to quantitatively measure the penetration depth of water-glycerolhexanediol mixtures in thin porous media
Summary
Liquid transport in porous media is a very interesting, but generally very complex physical phenomenon, which has a large range of possible applications in everyday life. On the other hand, understanding liquid transport in porous media enables one to positively influence the performance of a wide variety of applications, such as inkjet printing (Lundberg, 2011; Lundberg et al, 2006; Svanholm, 2007; Yang, 2003), heat storage (Nagel et al, 2013) or even diapers (Buchholz et al, 2005). Knowledge of liquid transport in porous media can be vital to prevent damage as a result of salt intrusion in building materials.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
