Investigation of Macroscopic Interfacial Dynamics between Clathrate Hydrates and Surfactant Solutions

Macroscopic interfacial interactions between cyclopentane (CP) hydrates and various surfactants droplets are examined in a CP/n-decane oil mixture. Initial contact force and subsequent z-axis dependent retraction force are measured utilizing a high-resolution microbalance integrated with a micrometer-precision stage. The resulting retraction force is utilized to determine the overall adhesion energy of the system. In addition, interfacial tensions and contact angles of the system are examined to further understand the effect of surface-active agents and substrates on the initial contact and retraction forces.