Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
We present measurements on the spontaneous imbibition of water, a linear hydrocarbon (n-C16H34) and a liquid crystal (8OCB) into the pore space of monolithic, nanoporous Vycor glass (mean pore radius 5nm). Measurements of the mass uptake as a function of time, m(t), are in good agreement with the Lucas-Washburn - prediction typical of imbibition of liquids into porous hosts. The relative capillary rise velocities scale as expected from the bulk fluid parameters.