Critical thickness of a film

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002703",
  "term": "Critical thickness of a film",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The specific thickness of a liquid film at which it becomes unstable and ruptures, or below which it cannot exist stably. This thickness is determined by the balance of forces acting within the film, such as van der Waals forces and disjoining pressure. It is a key parameter in understanding the stability of foams and emulsions.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "equilibrium film",
    "film"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1972, 31, 577. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry' on page 614 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197231040577)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/critical-thickness-of-a-film/"
}