Forces and structure in thin liquid soap films

Abstract

This review is a topical survey of the forces and structures in thin liquid soap films. Included is a description of both the more classical forces, such as electrostatic double-layer and dispersion forces, together with new and emerging areas of research that cover so-called `supramolecular' forces. This latter category covers self-assembly of macromolecular structures confined in a thin-film region together with surface-induced adsorption of macromolecular complexes. In addition, recent extensions of the relation between thin-film forces and film stability are reviewed.