LAUSR

Abstract Granular particles added to floating oils can transform the floating layer to submerged state. Here we show that there is a critical thickness at which the floating oil can hold large amounts of particles by forming an elastic oil-particle bowl while keeping some particles in completely dry state. Furthermore, we observed that at high particle application rates, a vertical channel forms in water through which floating oil submerges rapidly. Transformation of floating liquid to high strength elastic state has important implications for particle induced reinforcement at liquid-liquid interfaces; while formation of liquid-in-liquid channels by granular particles enables pipeless and rapid transfer of floating liquids.