Maximum bubble pressure tensiometry - an analysis of experimental constraints

The maximum bubble pressure tensiometry is the only technique that allows measurements of dynamic surface tensions of surfactant solutions in the short time range down to milliseconds and even below. To reach such extremely short adsorption times, many hydrodynamic and aerodynamic effects have to be taken into consideration in order to measure physical values or to correct for the respective influences. In particular, the design of the instruments, and essentially the geometry of the measuring cell and capillary, are of key importance for accurate experiments. Another important issue is the way of determination of the characteristic bubble times, such as bubble dead time and lifetime. Examples demonstrate that the bubble pressure technique provides a powerful tool for studies of adsorption dynamics even for solutions of higher viscosities. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.