Foaming and antifoaming in non-aqueous liquids

TL;DR

This review explores the physics, characterization methods, and stabilization techniques of non-aqueous foams, highlighting recent advances and identifying key open questions for future research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of current methods and understanding of non-aqueous foams, an area less studied than aqueous systems.

Findings

Summarizes state-of-the-art characterization techniques

Evaluates stabilization and destabilization mechanisms

Identifies open questions for future research

Abstract

Investigation into the physics of foaming has traditionally been focused on aqueous systems. Non-aqueous foams, by contrast, are not well understood, but have been the subject of a recent surge in interest motivated by the need to manage foaming across industrial applications. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the current state-of-the-art methods for characterizing non-aqueous foams, with a critical evaluation of the advantages and limitations of each. Subsequently we present a concise overview of the current understanding of the mechanisms and methods used for stabilizing and destabilizing non-aqueous foams. We conclude the review by discussing open questions to guide future investigations.