Coalescence of liquid droplets

Abstract

This research will start off by observing the coalescence of de-ionized water to verify current literature predicting the relationship between coalescence bridge width and time, specifically in low viscosity fluids. This will be accomplished using a theoretical scaling equation and experimental data from past research. Following that, using the polymer chitosan dissolved in acetic acid, coalescence will be conducted across 5 different concentrations, each with unique values of viscosity, density and surface energy. A comparison will be drawn between chitosan and de-ionized water, and any differences substantiated. The aforementioned scaling equation will be compared to the experimental data to determine its validity. Next, the coalescence process will be observed at low and high viscosities for varying droplet radii. This is done to investigate whether droplet radius affects the coalescence mechanism. This paper will end with a summary of the key observations made during the conducting of the experiments, followed by a conclusion and suggestions of possible future research that may prove beneficial to industries making use of droplet technology.