Development of diffuse double layers in column-wicking experiments: Implications for pH-dependent contact angles on quartz

The pH dependence of contact angles in quartz powder beds was studied by column wicking. The rate of capillary penetration was found to be highest at the isoelectric point of quartz which, by applying the classical Washburn equation, results in a minimum contact angle at the isoelectric point. Direct contact angle measurements however show that the contact angle is at a maximum at the point of zero charge (see e.g. 1], 2], 3], 4], 5] and 6]). By measuring the permeability of powder columns with aqueous solutions of varying pH, it is shown that the permeability reaches a maximum at the isoelectric point. This suggests that the rate of capillary penetration is influenced by the permeability of the powder columns towards respective aqueous solutions. The difference in permeability can be explained by the notion of an electroosmotic counter-pressure which was already recognized by Klinkenberg 7]. An approach is presented that involves the calculation of capillary constants from permeability measurements of the corresponding aqueous solutions. An equation is derived that takes direct account for the electroosmotic counter-pressure. Application of this equation combined with capillary constants calculated from permeabilities of the corresponding aqueous solutions results in the expected contact angle-pH relationship.