https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/s10189-025-00478-3
Regular Article - Soft Matter
Water absorption dynamics in medical foam: empirical validation of the Lucas–Washburn model
1
Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jianlan Road, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
2
Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Engineering, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jianlan Road, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
3
College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
4
Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
5
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
6
National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
Received:
19
November
2024
Accepted:
11
February
2025
Published online:
5
March
2025
This study extends the Lucas–Washburn theory through non-equilibrium thermodynamic analysis to examine fluid absorption in medical foams used for hemorrhage control. As a universal model for capillary flow in porous media, the theory demonstrated strong agreement with experimental results, confirming its semi-quantitative accuracy. Minor deviations, likely due to material heterogeneity, were observed and explained, enhancing the theory’s applicability to real-world conditions. Our findings underscore the universality of the Lucas–Washburn framework and provide valuable insights for optimizing the design of medical foams, ultimately contributing to more effective bleeding control solutions in clinical applications.
© The Author(s) 2025
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