Monolayers of fatty acids. I. Stearic acid on aqueous solutions of ethanol

Abstract

The structure and stability of fatty acid monolayers spread on aqueous solutions with ethanol has been studied. The experiments were carried out isothermically using a commercial Langmuir balance (Lauda). Monolayers exhibit solid or condensed liquid structure depending of the ethanol concentration in the subphase. Temperature has not a significant influence on the monolayer. Structure there is a loss of stearic acid film through solution into the adjacent subphase. This loss is increased with the temperature and ethanol concentration in the subphase.

Keywords

• emulsion stability
• monolayer
• stearic acid
• surface balance