Study on the dynamic interfacial tension with micro interface sensor

Abstract

In two-phase dispersion process coupling with interphase mass transfer, the dynamic variation of interfacial tension is a key parameter to determine the flow behavior. Simultaneous determination of the dynamic interfacial tension (DIFT) and the transient fluid concentration is the fundamental for understanding and predicting the DIFT, which is seldom reported in previous study. In this study, a novel method was developed to achieve the goal during the interphase mass transfer. Micro interface sensor was applied as a probe to detect the transient droplet concentration and the DIFT simultaneously. Based on the new method, the DIFT was studied in the process of the solute diffuses from the droplet to the continuous phase, and vice-versa. The transient concentration of the droplet was found to significantly affect the interfacial tension. Besides, the molecular movement across the interface may also affect the interfacial tension, which is seldom reported in previous studies. The method was demonstrated to be reliable and simple. It provides a promising approach to deeply understand the DIFT.