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The optimum wetting angle for the stabilization of liquid-metal foams by ceramic particles: Experimental simulations

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Abstract

The stabilization of liquid-metal foams by ceramic particles is studied by experimental simulations. The objective is to determine the optimum wetting property for liquid-foam stability. Ceramic particles are mimicked by inert plastic particles. The liquid metal is mimicked by a continuous, surfactant-free ethanol-water solution. The wetting property of the plastic particles in the liquid solution is changed continuously by varying the liquid composition. The experimental simulation shows that the liquid-foam stabilization by the solid particles depends strongly on the wetting property. An optimum wetting-angle range of 75 to 85 deg is determined from the experiments. The foam stability is shown to be unrelated to liquid viscosity, which remains unchanged with the wetting angle. Foams formed in the optimum wetting condition exhibit a slow decay, a stable foam volume that persists for a long time, and a fine cell structure in the micrometer range. The selection of ceramic particles for optimal stabilization of liquid-metal foams and the foam-processing procedures are discussed in the light of these experimental simulation results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, 61801, Urbana, IL

    Y. Q. Sun (Assistant Professor) & T. Gao (Graduate Student)

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  1. Y. Q. Sun
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  2. T. Gao
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Sun, Y.Q., Gao, T. The optimum wetting angle for the stabilization of liquid-metal foams by ceramic particles: Experimental simulations. Metall Mater Trans A 33, 3285–3292 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-002-0315-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-002-0315-y

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