FOAM STABILITY IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL: ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECOND VIRIAL COEFFICIENT

Abstract

The second virial coefficient of solutions containing swollen micelles (micelles solubilizing oil)was measured. We found that the presence of oil solubilized within the micelles reduced the value of the second virial coefficient. We then used the change in second virial coefficient to predict the relative stabilities of foams produced from aqueous solutions containing swollen micelles. The experimentally determined foam stabilities were found to correspond to these predictions.