Capillary Flow of Cationic Polyelectrolyte Solutions

The flow rates and the dynamic contact angles of aqueous solutions of cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) in quartz capillaries with radius of 3–4 m are measured. It is shown that the surface tension and viscosity of CPE solutions with concentrations from 10^–1 to 10^–5 g/l are the same as for water. Surface inactivity of CPE leads to the substantial difference between the capillary properties of their solutions and those of surfactant solutions. It is established that, as the solution concentration increases, the advancing contact angles are reduced from 83° to 75°; the receding contact angles lie between 10° and 20°. Large hysteresis of contact angle can probably be related to the formation of metastable wetting film behind the receding meniscus. Surface hydrophobization occurs as a result of the adsorption of CPE molecules on the negatively charged quartz surface. The specific features of the application of CPE solutions in the deposition technology of hydrophobic coatings, the capillary imbibition and displacement of oils from hydrophobic pores are discussed.