Using mixtures of soap, water, and long chain polymers, free-floating soap bubbles can be formed with volumes approaching 100 m${}^3$. Here we investigate how such thin films are created and maintained over time. We show how the extensional rheology is the most important factor in creating the bubble, and how polydispersity in molecular weight of the solvated polymers leads to better performance at lower concentrations. Additionally, using IR absorption, we measure soap film thickness profiles and film lifetimes. Although the initial thickness mostly depends on the choice of detergent, polymers can dramatically increase film lifetime at high molecular weights and high concentrations, although such high concentrations can inhibit the initial film formation. Thus, the ideal concentration of polymer additives for making giant bubbles requires a robust viscoelastic rheology during extension, and is aided by long film lifetimes during gravitational drainage and evaporation.

中文翻译：

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如何制造巨大的泡沫

使用肥皂，水和长链聚合物的混合物，可以形成体积接近100 m的自由浮动肥皂泡${}^3$。在这里，我们研究了随着时间的流逝如何产生和维持这种薄膜。我们展示了延伸流变学是产生气泡的最重要因素，以及溶剂化聚合物分子量的多分散性如何在较低浓度下导致更好的性能。此外，使用红外吸收，我们可以测量肥皂膜的厚度分布和膜的寿命。尽管初始厚度主要取决于洗涤剂的选择，但是聚合物可以在高分子量和高浓度下显着延长膜寿命，尽管如此高的浓度可以抑制初始膜的形成。因此，用于制造大气泡的聚合物添加剂的理想浓度在延伸过程中需要强大的粘弹性流变性，并在重力排水和蒸发过程中具有长膜寿命。