Robert, Marc A.2009-06-042009-06-041989McCrary, Jeffrey Kirk. "Van der Waals model of liquid wetting layers." (1989) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13379">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13379</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13379A phenomenological theory of wetting layer systems based on the van der Waals theory of interfaces is developed. For classical critical exponents the local composition profile and the wetting layer thickness are determined analytically and their behavior near a critical point is examined. The model is then extended to the case of nonclassical critical exponents, where numerical solutions for the composition profile and the wetting layer thickness are determined. The nonclassical model of the wetting layer is then applied to a well-studied experimental system and the results for the coefficient of ellipticity are compared with experimental measurements.171 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Chemical engineeringPhysical chemistryThesisTHESIS CH.E. 1989 MCCRARY