A new interfacial tension measurement method through a pore array micro-structured device

A novel method using a pore array micro-structured device to measure interfacial tension (IFT) of immiscible fluids is reported. This method is based on the relationship between the pore resistance and the capillary pressure. Only one parameter of active pore number is required. Furthermore the parameter could be easily obtained by direct observation without quantitative measurement. So this method is facile and practical. Different systems with IFT ranged from 1.0 to 50.0 mN m−1 are tested. Proper operation condition range for IFT measurement is provided. The measured results fit very well with existing data. The relative deviation is less than 1%, indicating that the new method is realizable.

Graphical abstractFitting Γ=4μdQdnπdp2((8lpdp)+(3π2))(1−(dpddrop)) as a function of the active pore percentage η and the slope is equal to the interfacial tension (mN m−1).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide