Capillary Forces Between Two Solid Spheres Linked by a Concave Liquid Bridge: Regions of Existence and Forces Mapping

This article focuses on the capillary interactions arising when two spherical particles are connected by a concave liquid bridge. This scenario is found in many situations where particles are partially wetted by a liquid., like liquid films stabilized with nanoparticles. We analyze different parameters governing the liquid bridge: interparticle separation, wetting angle and liquid volume. The results are compiled in a liquid volume-wetting angle diagram in which the regions of existence (stability) or inexistence (instability) of the bridge are outlined and the possible maximum and minimal particle distances for which the liquid bridge may be found. Calculations of the capillary forces discriminate those conditions for which such force is repulsive or attractive. The results are plotted in form of maps that allow an easy understanding of the stability of a liquid bridge and the conditions at which it may be produced for the two particle model. (C) 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 55: 1103-1109, 2009