Interfacial Energy
Interfacial energy refers to the energy associated with the interface between two different phases, such as solid-liquid, liquid-gas, or solid-gas. It arises due to the disruption of intermolecular bonds at the boundary where these phases meet. Higher interfacial energy indicates a less stable interface, which can influence processes like wetting, adsorption, and emulsification.
This energy plays a crucial role in various scientific and industrial applications, including material science, coating technologies, and biomaterials. Understanding interfacial energy helps in designing better materials and improving processes like surface treatments and nanotechnology, where control over interfaces is essential for performance.