Abstract

Anomalous liquid behavior is viewed as a result of an increase in surface tension in isolated capillaries. Using a derived prime equation for this change several phenomena are treated including the strength of liquid bridges between solids, the lowering of vapor pressure, increased solubility, and adsorption-desorption hysteresis. Using experimental data available on thestrengthofliquid bridges and vapor pressure decreases, indicates the surface tension of water in micron sized capillaries has a surface tension of over 700 dyne/cm. 1. Isolated capillary theory It has become apparent in recent years that classical capillary theory is not able to explain several established experimental observations. Since 1928, Shereshefskyila) with several co-workers has demonstrated large vapor pressure reductions with a variety of liquids in capillaries a few microns in radii. Also, the phenomena of adsorption-desorption hysteresis has not been explained satisfactorily. Several theories have been proposed, but none verified. Recently, the Fisher equation for the strength of liquid bridges has been questioneds). This equation is based on the contributions of both a surface tension force and a reduced pressure component. Whereas other capillary phenomena employ these contributions separately. However, the Fisher equation has been verified experimentally. The most recent breakdown in classical capillary theory had been in the anomalous water controversy4). Anomalous water is prepared by the condensation of unsaturated water vapor in micron size glass and quartz tubes and therefore is a capillary effect.