Film Elasticity and Film Stabilization in Firefighting Foam Stabilized by Solid Particles

The structure of the thin liquid films determines the stability of foams and emulsions. In this work the bubbles stretched length with different hollow SiO2 particles concentration is measured when the foam has been stilled for different time. The results show that the bubbles stretched length is longer than that of bubbles when the foam is free of hollow SiO2 particles even when the foam has been stilled for 500mins. The bubbles stretched length increases with increasing the concentration of hollow SiO2 particles. A strong hydration effect leaves a large volume of hydration layers on the solid particles surfaces in aqueous solutions. The water in hydration layers can help the film keep a certain thickness. The existence of hydration forces leads that two particles cannot be too close each other. The high concentration surfactant limited in the fixed area helps the film keep good elasticity. Therefore the film has a long life time with compatible thickness and elasticity and the three-phrase foam is upper stable.