Springer LINK: The European Physical Journal B - Abstract Volume 4 Issue 3 (1998) pp 313-319

The European Physical Journal B

ISSN: 1434-6028 (printed version)
ISSN: 1434-6036 (electronic version)

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Abstract Volume 4 Issue 3 (1998) pp 313-319

Ascending air bubbles in protein solutions

C. Ybert (a), J.-M. di Meglio

Institut Charles Sadron (Unité Propre de Recherche du CNRS (UPR022)) and Université Louis Pasteur, 6 rue Boussingault, 67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France

Received: 6 March 1998 / Revised and accepted: 6 May 1998

Abstract: We report measurements of the ascending velocity of air bubbles in protein (bovine serum albumin) solutions. We show that, because of the protein molecules adsorbed on their surface, the terminal ascending velocity of bubbles is strongly reduced compared to the terminal velocity in pure water: protein- covered bubbles behave hydrodynamically as solid spheres. From the evolution of the ascending velocity with time, we can derive the amount of protein needed to immobilize the bubble interface which is 0.5 mg m^-2, i.e. only one fifth of the amount adsorbed at equilibrium in the range of used bulk concentrations.

PACS. 68.10.Et Interface elasticity, viscosity, and viscoelasticity - 83.50.Lh Interfacial and free surface flows; slip - 82.70.y Disperse systems

(a) email: ybert@ics.u-strasbg.fr

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