Measurement and Prediction of Interfacial Tension of Binary Mixtures

Abstract

The density gradient theory was combined with a modern equation of state based on statistical mechanics, the perturbed chain-statistical association fluid theory, or with the well-known Peng−Robinson equation of state, and is applied to compute the surface tension of various binary mixtures made up of nonpolar substances. Additionally, some new data for the system methane + hexane and methane + heptane were measured using the pendant drop method equipped with a high-pressure cell. Both equations of state can be used to predict the surface tension of mixtures very close to experimental data. The surface tension of pure ethane could also be predicted using the surface tension data of other n-alkanes. Additionally, the surface tensions for mixtures as a function of liquid composition, of temperature, and of pressure were calculated for systems, where no experimental data are available. If the mixture contains a high volatile component, strong relative enrichment effects in the interface could be observed.