Characterisation, Modification and Mathematical Modelling of Sudsing
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Earth Science and Engineering
Abstract
An integrated research programme is described treating thecharacterisation, modification and mathematical modelling of sudsing:the research will elucidate the fundamental science underpinninglaundry detergent products. The foamability of a primary surfactantin admixture with co-surfactants, polymers and fatty soildrops/particles will be measured, and correlated with interfacialtransport properties of foam films. Formulations which foam well willbe targeted. Optical, drainage and rheological properties of the bulkfoams formed during sudsing will be measured and characterised.Bubble scale modelling will be used to describe bubble shapes andstability. Finally continuum level mathematical models of sudsing,described in terms of average foam properties (foam volume, averagebubble size, average liquid content), will be developed incorporatingthe key research findings.
Publications
Ran L
(2011)
Characterisation, modification and mathematical modelling of sudsing
in Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Tong M
(2010)
The size of films in dry foams.
in Journal of physics. Condensed matter : an Institute of Physics journal
Tong M
(2017)
Geometry and Topology of Two-Dimensional Dry Foams: Computer Simulation and Experimental Characterization.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Tong M
(2011)
Drainage and stability of 2D foams: Foam behaviour in vertical Hele-Shaw cells
in Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Wang Y
(2009)
The relationship between the surface and internal structure of dry foam
in Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
| Description | The aim of this project was to understand the behaviour of foams within the context of the sudsing in hand washing detergent foams. The Imperial College team developed a new model for the behaviour of these foams that coupled the results from single film experimental studies with a foam drainage and coalescence model that allowed for the prediction of the macroscopic behaviour of these foams based on the microscale understanding. As these models are fundamentally based, they can be used to not only simulate sudsing, but are also applicable to a wide range of other unstable flowing foams. |
| Exploitation Route | These models can be used to predict the behaviour of foams which occur in a wide range of industrial processes and products. The models are currently being implemented in a simulator for industrial scale flotation cells. This simulator will be used for the design and optimisation of these cells. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | This project was part funded by Proctor and Gamble. The research aided them in the development of new methods for the assessment of sudsing behaviour. In addition, the fundamental understanding of foam behaviour generated in the project has helped in the development of CFD flotation models for Rio Tinto. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Economic |