Elementary steps in particle-bubble attachment

Elementary steps in particle-bubble attachment interaction are critically analysed, Three elementary steps are of great importance; (1) thinning of the intervening liquid film to a thickness of film rupture (critical thickness); (2) rupture of the intervening liquid film and formation of a three-phase contact nucleus (a hole of a critical wetting radius); and (3) expansion of three-phase contact line from the critical radius to form a stable wetting perimeter, Some preliminary theoretical and experimental results are presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.