Floating water on oil

Water can float on oil, according to new research refuting the common human understanding of the relationship between these two liquids.

Previously, it was always assumed that oil was lighter than water, as evidenced by the lower density of oil, helping it float on the water.

However, the new discovery by Chi Phan, of Curtin University (Australia), shows an unusual property in the relationship between water and oil.

The experiment showed water floating on the oil
- (Photo: American Chemical Society)

In a small volume, water particles can maintain a stable state in the oil environment and do not sink when under slight impact.

Usually, the factor determining whether a floating object is its molecular density. For example, hot air is less dense with cold air, which is why hot air balloons can fly.

Crude oil has a lower density than seawater, so the oil floats on the water.

To help the water float on the oil, experts seek to influence the molecular bonding of the water, while taking advantage of the surface tension of the oil, allowing water to lie on the oil, just like in the case of water spiders, According to the report published on Langmuir.

The new finding could open up a wide range of applications in the industrial sector, such as supporting oil spill cleanup.

Water droplets can carry oil-eating bacteria, and when lying on the oil spill, the bacteria naturally nibble on the slick oil without dispersing, accelerating the rate of cleaning the contaminated area.