Temperature and fiber optic spectroscopy composition measurements of heated propanol–acetone droplets

Time-dependent temperatures and compositions within individual fiber-supported droplets initially from about 2–3 mm in diameter were investigated. In the experiments, droplets were composed of mixtures of 1-propanol and acetone. The droplets evaporated in room air, where the air was heated by placing an electrically heated coil underneath the droplets. The experiments employed thin optical fibers to carry light from a UV–vis light source into and out of a droplet. The time-dependent UV absorption spectrum of the liquid between the fiber ends was measured using a spectrometer coupled to one of the fibers. This spectrum yielded real-time information on the composition of the liquid. Droplet temperatures were simultaneously measured using a thermocouple that was immersed into the liquid. Results demonstrate that droplet evaporation follows a multi-stage process and that acetone is preferentially gasified from a droplet.