An experimental realization of the Weaire-Phelan structure in monodisperse liquid foam

The Weaire-Phelan (WP) structure is the lowest energy structure known of an ideal monodisperse foam in the dry limit. To date, it has not been realized in the laboratory. Instead Lord Kelvin's 1887 structure, which it supplanted in 1994, has repeatedly been found in attempts to produce an order...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophical magazine letters 2012-01, Vol.92 (1), p.1-6
Main Authors: Gabbrielli, Ruggero, Meagher, Aaron J., Weaire, Denis, Brakke, Kenneth A., Hutzler, Stefan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Crystal structure
Crystallization
Crystallography
Drying
Exact sciences and technology
foam
Foams
General and physical chemistry
Geometry
Kelvin problem
Liquids
Molds
Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena
templating
Vibration
Walls
Weaire-Phelan structure
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Summary:The Weaire-Phelan (WP) structure is the lowest energy structure known of an ideal monodisperse foam in the dry limit. To date, it has not been realized in the laboratory. Instead Lord Kelvin's 1887 structure, which it supplanted in 1994, has repeatedly been found in attempts to produce an ordered structure. This paradox is attributable to the flat walls of the containers used, with which the Kelvin structure is more compatible. Accordingly, we have fabricated a patterned mould whose faceted walls conform to the WP geometry, and thereby succeeded in inducing the formation of perfect crystals of the WP structure. Foam samples consisted of approximately 1500 bubbles. Vibrations favoured crystallization.
ISSN:0950-0839
1362-3036
DOI:10.1080/09500839.2011.645898