Monolayer formation from hexadecanol crystals. I

Abstract

The spontaneous formation of monolayers from single hexadecanol crystals has been examined. It is confirmed that the rate of generation of a monolayer is, at constant temperature, proportional to the extent of the air/water/crystal triple interface. Surface solution occurs directly from the properly formed crystal lattice and not necessarily from active centres only. The effect of film dissolution into the substrate on the spreading process is examined.