The understanding of how small solid particles operate at liquid interfaces is minimal. This book brings together the topics actively being investigated, with contributions from experts in the field. It will be of interest to researchers in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, pharmacy, food science and materials science.

Small solid particles adsorbed at liquid interfaces arise in many industrial products and process, such as anti-foam formulations, crude oil emulsions and flotation. They act in many ways like traditional surfactant molecules, but offer distinct advantages. However, the understanding of how these particles operate in such systems is minimal. This book brings together the diverse topics actively being investigated, with contributions from leading experts in the field. After an introduction to the basic concepts and principles, the book divides into two sections. The first deals with particles at planar liquid interfaces, with chapters of an experimental and theoretical nature. The second concentrates on the behaviour of particles at curved liquid interfaces, including particle-stabilized foams and emulsions and new materials derived from such systems. This collection will be of interest to academic researchers and graduate students in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, pharmacy, food science and materials science.

Planar fluid interfaces -- Interfaces of moderate curvature : theory of capillarity -- Surface bending moment and curvature elastic moduli -- General curved interfaces and biomembranes -- Liquid films and interactions between particle and surface -- Particles at interfaces : deformations and hydrodynamic interactions -- Lateral capillary forces between partially immersed bodies -- Lateral capillary forces between floating particles -- Capillary forces between particles bound to a spherical interface -- Mechanics of lipid membranes and interaction between inclusions -- Capillary bridges and capillary-bridge forces -- Capillary forces between particles of irregular contact line -- Two-dimensional crystallization of particulates and proteins -- Effect of oil drops and particulates on the stability of foams.

There has been much scientific interest in the behaviour of colloidal particles at liquid interfaces. From a research aspect they provide model systems for fundamental studies of condensed matter physics. From a commercial aspect they provide applications for making new materials in the cosmetics, food and paint industries. In many cases of colloidal particles at interfaces, the mechanism of particle interactions is still unknown. Particle-Stabilized Emulsions and Colloids looks at recent studies on the behaviour of particles at liquid interfaces. The book first introduces the basic concepts and principles of colloidal particles at liquid-liquid interfaces including the interactions and conformations. The book then discusses the latest advances in emulsions and bicontinuous emulsions stabilized by both solid and soft particles and finally the book covers applications in food science and oil extraction. With contributions from leading experts in these fields, this book will provide a background to academic researchers, engineers, and graduate students in chemistry, physics and materials science. The commercial aspects will also be of interest to those working in the cosmetics, food and oil industry.

Fluid interfaces are promising candidates for confining different types of materials, e.g., polymers, surfactants, colloids, and even small molecules, to be used in designing new functional materials with reduced dimensionality. The development of such materials requires a deepening of the physicochemical bases underlying the formation of layers at fluid interfaces as well as on the characterization of their structures and properties. This is of particular importance because the constraints associated with the assembly of materials at the interface lead to the emergence of equilibrium and features of dynamics in the interfacial systems, which are far removed from those conventionally found in traditional materials. This Special Issue is devoted to studies on the fundamental and applied aspects of fluid interfaces, and attempts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current status of the research field.

Offers an introduction to the topics in interfacial phenomena, colloid science or nanoscience. Designed as a pedagogical tool, this book recognizes the cross-disciplinary nature of the subject. It features descriptions of experiments and contains figures and illustrations that enhance the understanding of concepts.