Radius and surface tension of microscopic bubbles by second gradient theory

Abstract

The classical theory of Laplace is not suitable for describing the behavior of microscopic bubbles. The theory of second gradient fluids (which are able to exert shear stresses in equilibrium conditions) allows us to obtain a new expression for surface tension and radius of these bubbles in terms of functionals of the chemical potential. This relationship allows us to generalize the results of Cahn-Hilliard and Tolman.