Surface tension of pure heavy n-alkanes: a corresponding states approach

The surface tension of heavy n-alkanes is a poorly studied subject. Few dat a exist and the predictive methods used for their estimation are rather com plex or show considerable errors for the higher members of the series. In t his work, the corresponding states theory is used to predict the surface te nsion of the series of the n-alkanes. Two approaches have been followed: th e first is a second-order perturbation model based on a Taylor series expan sion of the surface tension using, the Pitzer acentric factor; the second a pproach uses shape factors to account for the non-conformalities. Compariso ns of the two models with experimental data and other available predictive methods are presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.