ReoSim: Modelling and simulation of the rheology of interfaces

Various materials consist of a liquid phase that is dispersed in another: soft high interface materials (SHIM), which form the basis of many industrial products and products such as care products and food. It is common practice that trade-offs are made between different material properties in the product formation process of these materials. In addition, the choice of stabilizers and processes is often based on experimental methods. Desired properties for the processability or performance of the final product are: the amount of the dispersed phase and the rheological properties of the interface layer. An integrated approach with theoretical and numerical models is needed to link molecular structure and properties of SHIM and the influence of the product formation process on this. It is not yet known how the stability and mechanical properties of interfaces can be controlled. The aim of this project is to study the quantitative relationship between interphase rheology and structural properties of gas bubbles and droplets in emulsions and foams, as well as the individual and joint mechanical behavior of gas bubbles and droplets. To this end, new numerical methods will be developed to quantitatively predict the behavior of SHIM. This will make it possible to obtain guidelines for the design of these materials to influence their structure (e.g. the liquid fraction of a foam or the distribution of the droplet size in an emulsion and mechanical properties. It is expected in this way insight will be gained into the factors that determine the performance of the final product.