Liquid marbles: Physics and applications

Abstract

Liquid marbles are formed by encapsulating microscale volume of liquid in a particulate sheath. The marble thus formed is robust and resists rupture if the particulate layer covers the entire volume of liquid and prevents contact between the liquid and the substrate. Liquid marbles have been objects of study over the past decade. Research has been focused on understanding their formation and properties – both static and dynamic. A range of particulate materials as well as liquids have been employed to make these objects. This paper summarizes the state of the art in this regard and discusses new developments that are being discussed. Finally, some directions are proposed based on lacunae observed in the community’s understanding – both in terms of the science as well as on the application front.