Interfacial mechanical properties of tetrahydrofuran hydrate-solid surfaces: Implications for hydrate management

Understanding the interfacial mechanical properties between hydrate and solids is vital to designing and fabricating surfaces for hydrate management. Herein, the role of the surface wettability, the type of solid substrate and temperature on the interfacial adhesion properties of tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate and ice were examined by force analysis based shearing measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results showed that the adhesion strength of THF hydrate and ice on silica varies with the compositions of coating, and the adhesion strength of ice is larger than that of THF hydrate for all investigated solid substrates. Particularly, in contrast to a linear relationship between 1 + cos theta(r) and hydrate adhesion on organic silanes/thiols/polymer surfaces, the hydrate adhesion on the coated inorganic glass surfaces is enhanced as a function of 1 + cos theta(r), in which theta(r) is the receding contact angle. MD simulations uncovered that the adhesion strength of ice on solid substrates is dominated by the quasi-liquid water layer, however, that of hydrate is governed not only by the quasi-liquid layer but also newly formed unconventional clathrate cages. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the hydrate adhesion on solid surfaces, which is of help to develop hydrate-phobic coatings for advanced hydrate management.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Understanding the interfacial mechanical properties between hydrate and solids is crucial for designing surfaces for hydrate management. This study examined the effects of surface wettability, solid substrate type, and temperature on the adhesion properties between THF hydrate and ice. The results showed that the adhesion strength of THF hydrate and ice varied with the composition of the coating, and the adhesion strength of ice was greater than that of THF hydrate for all investigated solid substrates. Additionally, the adhesion of THF hydrate on inorganic glass surfaces was found to be enhanced as a function of the receding contact angle. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the adhesion strength of ice on solid substrates was primarily influenced by the quasi-liquid water layer, while the adhesion of hydrate was also affected by newly formed unconventional clathrate cages. This study provides valuable insights for developing coatings to manage hydrates.