Preface

Summary

Solid particles of colloidal dimensions (nm—μm) adsorb at fluid interfaces, either liquid—vapour or liquid—liquid, in many products and processes. Examples include fat crystals around air bubbles in certain foods, particles of sand or clay partially coating water drops in crude oil and the selective attachment of mineral particles to bubbles in froth flotation. The properties of these systems are due in part to the irreversible nature of particle adsorption, and such particles behave in many ways like surfactant molecules. The pioneering work in the area of particle-stabilised foams and emulsions was conducted by Ramsden and Pickering, respectively, early in the 20th century. During the last 10 years or so, there has been a revival of interest in this field, and in the behaviour of particles at planar liquid interfaces, and we felt that it was time to prepare the first book encompassing most of this activity. It is anticipated that this will be the start of a new series in this rapidly evolving field.

Following an introductory chapter to the whole area by the editors, the book is divided into two parts. The first part, dealing with particles at planar interfaces, contains chapters describing simulation and theoretical approaches to the structure, and dynamics of particle monolayers and how particles can assist with the wetting of oils on water.