Dilational Viscosity of Langmuir monolayers

Abstract

The dilational viscosity $\epsilon'$ of Langmuir monolayer is considered in a theoretical model taking into account an orientational effect of the dilational wave on surface molecules. This orientational order is described by the surface order parameter Q; the orientational part of the free surface energy is given by Landau's expansion in powers of Q. The magnitude of surface viscosity, driven by the surface tension derivative $\partial\gamma/\partial Q$, is in good accord with the experimentally observed $\epsilon'$. The sign of $\epsilon'$ is positive that indicates that increased in-plane ordering increases the surface tension.