Pneumatic foam generation in the presence of a high intensity ultrasound field

Designer foams find applications in a wide range of industries. Foam quality is mostly determined by its complex cellular structure which defines its texture, theology and stability. In addition to formulation design, the formation process is crucial to the development of a foam with an optimum structure. There is, therefore, a need for techniques that can assist in the generation of controlled foam structures. The work described in this paper demonstrates the potential of using high-intensity ultrasound to control foam structure during production. Foam generated in the presence of ultrasound usually exhibits a narrower bubble size distribution, i.e. a more uniform texture. Such enhanced homogeneity in texture is desirable to reduce the presence of aesthetically unattractive large cavities, and to reduce the destabilising effects of foam coarsening. In addition, a smaller mean bubble size and a slower rate of foam collapse usually result when ultrasound is applied. The work shows the effects on foams stabilised with different surfactants. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.