Kapillaarialtoina

Kapillaarialtoina is a fictional term introduced to describe a proposed mechanism by which capillary forces generate attractive interactions among particles and fluids in narrow channels, leading to self-organized structures and differential transport in porous media. The term blends the sense of capillarity with an inferred attractive interaction among solid or particulate phases.

In capillary phenomena, concave liquid menisci within pores create lateral forces along surfaces. When multiple particles are present, these forces can pull them toward each other, align them along a wetted front, or form chain-like assemblies parallel to the dominant flow direction. The effect depends on wetting properties (contact angle and hysteresis), liquid surface tension, particle size, and pore geometry. Additives such as surfactants or salts can modify interfacial tension and adhesion, modulating the strength and range of kapillaarialtoina.

Potential applications are speculative but discussed in the literature of microfluidics, coating technologies, and soil science. For example, controlled capillary-induced assembly could produce anisotropic porous layers, guide fiber alignment in paper and composite films, or influence preferential flow paths during imbibition and drying.

Measurement and study rely on imaging and rheological techniques. Researchers use optical and confocal microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and flow visualization, alongside capillary-rise tests and rheometry, to infer the presence and strength of such interactions.

Note: Kapillaarialtoina is a coined term and not an established standard in capillary science. See also capillary action, capillary rise, wicking, porous media, self-assembly.