Studies in inorgano-organic gels in pinene. Part IV. The kinetics of syneresis of sodium oleate gels in pinene

Abstract

The phenomenon of syneresis exhibited by gels of sodium oleate in pinene has been systematically investigated. The velocity of syneresis increases as (i) temperature is lowered and (ii) concentration is decreased. The nature of the synereticum has been examined. A theory has been suggested which explains the effects of several factors on the kinetics of syneresis of these gels. The law which holds for the imbibition of liquids is also applicable to the phenomenon of syneresis. Also, the kinetics of syneresis of these gels obey an equation which is similar to that of an inhibited reaction.