This experiment focuses on the characterization of dry foam structures and their ability to hold an insoluble solid. The expansion of dry foams can be used for numerous applications ranging from insulation to structural support. They are characterized by a solid or viscous membrane around the pockets of gas that create the foam. The purpose of this experiment is to create a fast expanding dry foam that is able to maintain its structural integrity. The surfactant is borate, which is released from a reaction involving sodium perborate monohydrate (SPBMH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) where potassium iodide catalyzes the reaction. Peroxide from the sodium perborate, is released and then decomposes into oxygen gas and water. This gas is trapped by the slime formed during the PVA and SPBMN reaction, creating a foam as the membrane traps more oxygen gas. The formation of the foam was optimized for speed of expansion, volume, and structural integrity by adjusting different proportions of the PVA, KI, and SPBMH reactants. After the desired parameters of the foam expansion were attained, an inert insoluble solid was added into the mixture to observe how it is carried throughout the foam formation.

Characterization and optimization of expanding foams

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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