Liquid marbles: Properties and applications

The paper summarizes 10-years of experience gained by various groups in the study of liquid marbles. Liquid marbles are non-stick droplets wrapped by micro- or nanometrically scaled particles. Marbles are separated from solid or liquid support by air pockets. This fact determines the unusual non-Amontonian friction inherent for liquid marbles. Scaling laws governing the marbles' shape and dynamics are presented. Liquids and powders used for fabrication of liquid marbles are surveyed. The effective surface tension of liquid marbles is discussed. The paper reviews properties and applications of liquid particles. Liquid marbles demonstrate a potential as micro-reactors, micro-pumps, pH, gas and water pollution sensors. Cosmetics applications and water storage with the use of liquid marbles are of considerable industrial interest. Challenges and trends of future investigations in the field are envisaged. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.