Coalescence map for bubbles in surfactant-free aqueous electrolyte solutions

Factors influencing bubble coalescence in surfactant-free aqueous electrolyte solutions are considered in this compilation of literature results. These factors include viscous and inertial thin film drainage, surface deformation, surface elasticity, mobility or otherwise of the air–water interface, and disjoining pressure. Several models from the literature are discussed, with particular attention paid to predictions of transitions between regions where behaviour is qualitatively different. The transitions are collated onto a single chart with salt concentration and bubble approach speed as the axes. This creates a map of the regions in which different mechanisms operate, giving an overall picture of bubble coalescence behaviour over a wide range of concentration and speed. Only mm-size bubbles in water and NaCl solutions are discussed in this initial effort at creating such a map. Data on bubble coalescence or non-coalescence are collected from the literature and plotted on the same map, generally aligning well with the predicted transitions and thus providing support for the theoretical reasoning that went into creating the coalescence map.

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