Effect of interfacial properties on dynamics of bubbles

Multiphase systems consisting of a gas phase dispersed in a liquid environment are omnipresent in nature and in living systems. Gas-liquid contact is also responsible for the success of many industrial processes, such as flotation, or aerated reactors. Surfactants, SAS, with their ability to lower the interfacial tension between gas-liquid phases, alter the behavior of many multiphase processes, and for many systems, the characterization of the interface by surface tension alone is not enough and less conventional measurements of surface rheology and SAS adsorption/desorption characteristics are crucial. The aim of this work is to determine experimentally the influence of surfactants on the dynamics of processes with bubbles (movement, dissolution, coalescence, etc.) and to characterize selected SASs by measuring relevant physico-chemical and transport properties. The typical work will include measurements of interfacial rheology, observations of bubble dynamics by high-speed camera, but also building single-purpose experimental equipment and physical interpretation of results.

Required education and skills

• Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or in physical chemistry;

Systematic and creative approach to scientific research, teamwork ability.