The Surface Tension of Pure Liquid Compounds

Abstract

The surface tension tables presented herein are the result of a literature survey, evaluation, and compilation of data of some 2200 pure liquid compounds, 226 of which were reported for a single temperature. These are arranged with related compounds in the increasing order of their molecular weights. As far as possible the method of measurement, nature of atmosphere to which the liquid was exposed during measurements, and the estimated accuracy are given for each liquid. The tabulated values were calculated from the derived results of directly measured quantities reported in the literature of many countries from about 1874 to 1969. Preliminary plots of the experimentally measured quantities indicated that the surface tensions of the liquid compounds are linear functions of the temperature over the reported operational range. The principle of least squares was applied to experimental surface tension values to establish the regression curves and their equations. The constants of the equations (slope and intercept), together with the standard deviations are given for each compound. The selection factors establishing criteria of quality of surface tension data are discussed. These include (a) method of measurement, (b) purity of compound, (c) quality of apparatus and assembly, (d) experimental procedure (experimentation), (e) reliability of measurements (most probable values), (f) experience of investigator, and (g) availability of data. There are 274 references listed alphabetically.