ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the properties of microscopic foam films from aqueous solutions containing low-molecular mass surfactants. The key aspect of the surfactant stabilization role is the relationship between the structure and properties of the adsorption layers on one hand, and the dynamic and stability characteristics of the foam films on the other hand. The flow-induced surfactant transfer enforces a decrease of the interfacial mobility of the film surfaces through the well known Marangoni effect: In the course of the film drainage, the flow sweeps the surfactant molecules outside the film region toward the neighboring meniscus. At higher surfactant concentrations, the foam film stabilization includes additional peculiarities which are related to the presence of self-assembled nanostructures. Specific film characteristics are distinguished depending on whether the system is in the premicellar concentration domain or above the respective critical micelle concentration.
