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

The surface tension of heavy n-alkanes is a poorly studied subject. Few data exist and the predictive methods used for their estimation are rather complex or show considerable errors for the higher members of the series. s work, the corresponding states theory is used to predict the surface tension of the series of the n-alkanes. Two approaches have been followed: the first is a second-order perturbation model based on a Taylor series expansion of the surface tension using the Pitzer acentric factor; the second approach uses shape factors to account for the non-conformalities. Comparisons of the two models with experimental data and other available predictive methods are presented.