Understanding the initial phase of coalescence

A team at the Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP, CNRS/University of Lorraine) has developed a numerical simulation model that can analyse the first microseconds of a droplet coalescing on the surface of a liquid with unrivalled spatial and temporal resolution. This phenomenon, which is extremely rapid in its initial phase, is difficult to observe experimentally. The results, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, could help improve the stability of emulsions by limiting coalescence. The team is already collaborating with the cosmetics industry and is continuing its research to study the same process in an oily phase.