Manufacture and properties of composite liquid marbles

Hypothesis: Liquid marbles are non-stick droplets coated with colloidal usually hydrophobic particles. We suggest that “composite” liquid marbles, i.e. bi-liquid droplets, may be prepared with water droplets coated by a thin silicone oil layer containing hydrophobic, colloidal particles. Experiments: The process enabling manufacturing water marbles coated with silicone oil containing fumed fluorosilica particles is reported. The marbles remained stable when placed on solid and liquid supports. Bouncing and coalescence of the composite marbles was explored. Findings: Non-coalescence prolonged (ca. 20 min) jumping of composite marbles above a vibrating water bath was observed. Composite marbles withstand coalescence better than colloidal particle-stabilized liquid marbles. The effective surface tension of the composite marbles is markedly lower than that of water marbles coated with fumed fluorosilica particles. The coefficient of restitution of the composite marbles bouncing on a hydrophobic solid substrate is lower than that established for water marbles. This observation is related to the viscous dissipation occurring within the silicone layer making up the composite marbles.