Thin liquid films stabilized by polymers and polymer/surfactant mixtures

The development of the topic of thin liquid films (TLF) stabilized by polymers in the last five years is outlined. Different types of TLF are considered, namely foam, emulsion (aqueous or oil) and wetting films. The reviewed results envelop a variety of polymeric surfactant and polymer(polyelectrolyte)/surfactant systems which have been probed by several methods, however mostly by the thin film pressure balance technique. The discussion addresses major factors which affect the surface forces in the TLF: type and charge of the polymer, type of the film interfaces (water/air, water/oil or water/solid), solvent conditions (salinity/polarity) and addition of a second surface active component. Linkage with studies on the corresponding single interfacial layers and macroscopic systems (foams and emulsions) is briefly discussed as well.