Molecular dynamic simulations were executed to study the foam films stabilized by surfactants. According to the analysis of the radial distribution function (RDF) of the water molecules around the heads of surfactants, the state of water molecules in the foam film could be investigated. Electric conductivity method was adopted to determine the drainage process of foam stabilized by different kinds of surfactants. According to the experimental foam drainage curve, combined with molecular dynamics results, drainage mechanism of the foam film and a physical model of the time-dependent liquid volume contained in foam films, as well as the physical meaning of parameters in this model were discussed.

Key words: foam film, drainage mechanism, molecular simulation, surfactant