Surface morphology of glass capillaries

In this work, the surface properties related to nucleation phenomena in silica glass capillary tubes are investigated. Surface topography and surface energy are theorized to play a role in heterogeneous bubble formation of supersaturated liquids and are therefore the focus of this study. Procedures for modifying and measuring properties of glass surfaces were of particular interest. Surface modification treatments involving hydrofluoric acid etching and alkylsilane derivitizations were performed. Surface data collection techniques included atomic force microscopy and solid-liquid-vapor contact angle measurements.; Techniques to successfully profile the surface of capillary tubes were defined and a novel approach was developed to interrogate the internal surface of small-diameter tubes. The roughness of capillary tube surface was modified and was measurable in a consistent manner. The research performed here should allow designing of glass surfaces to promote or inhibit bubble formation by altering the chemistry or topography of the surfaces.