Rearrangement and elimination of ordered surface layers of crystalline bubble structures due to gas diffusion
Citation:
Van der Net A, Weaire D and Hutzler `Rearrangement and elimination of ordered surface layers of crystalline bubble structures due to gas diffusion? in Soft Matter, (5), 2009, pp 318 - 324Download Item:
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Abstract:
We describe a hitherto unknown self-organising effect in wet crystalline bubble structures exposed to
air. Due to the escape of gas from the bubbles in the top surface layer, bubbles shrink and create space
for the bubbles of the lower layers to interpose themselves at the top. This occurs irregularly, but finally
a newly ordered bidisperse top layer is formed. This process can be followed for several episodes of
elimination of surface layers. The crystalline orientation influences the speed of shrinkage and
formation of the bidisperse top layer. Compared with diffusion of a single bubble or monodisperse
monolayer on top of a liquid pool, the diffusion is much faster. This may be accounted for by the extra
buoyancy force leading to a larger exposure of the bubbles at the surface.
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Science Foundation Ireland
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http://people.tcd.ie/shutzlerhttp://people.tcd.ie/dweaire
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PUBLISHED
Author: WEAIRE, DENIS LAWRENCE; HUTZLER, STEFAN
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryType of material:
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Soft Matter5
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