Collapse of monolayers of 10,12-pentacosadiyonic acid: Kinetics and structure

The collapse of monolayers of 10,12-pentacosadiyonic acid at the air/water interface has been studied by measurements of isotherms as a function of temperature, compression speed, and spreading solvent. Films on the water surface have been examined by X-ray reflectivity, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images have been obtained of films transferred to mica by the Langmuir-Blodgett method. At constant temperature, collapse occurs at constant pressure, which increases with the logarithm of the compression speed, suggesting an activation controlled process. Both the AFM and reflectivity measurements are consistent with the formation of a trilayer upon collapse. A mechanical model for collapse is discussed.