Capillary forces and structuring in layers of colloid particles

'Capillary forces' are interactions between particles mediated by fluid int erfaces. Recent advances in this field have been achieved by experiments an d theory on lateral capillary forces, which are due to the overlap of menis ci formed around separate particles attached to an interface. In particular , we should mention the cases of 'finite menisci' and 'capillary multipoles '. The capillary-bridge forces were investigated in relation to capillary c ondensation and cavitation, surface-force measurements and antifoaming by o ily drops. The studies on colloidal self-assembly mediated by capillary for ces developed in several promising directions. The obtained structures of p articles have found numerous applications. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.