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Direct measurement of molecular forces

Abstract

The current theory of the stability of colloids and liquid film rests on the direct measurements of the force of interaction between two surfaces separated by a thin film. The first measurements, in the 1950s provided the stimulus for Lifshitz's macroscopic theory of dispersion forces. So far, measurements of disjoining pressure fit well with the theoretical predictions; but there are still difficulties with measuring some of the components of that pressure.

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Derjaguin, B., Rabinovich, Y. & Churaev, N. Direct measurement of molecular forces. Nature 272, 313–318 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/272313a0

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