A comprehensive review on key mechanisms and parameters affecting foam stability

•The foam and its history in various industries are thoroughly described, providing detailed information.•A discussion of the properties of foam and its limitations is included.•The parameters and mechanisms influencing foam stability are thoroughly examined.•A summary update of the foam laboratory studies is provided. Foam finds applications in various industries such as wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, and the manufacturing of food, medicine, and cosmetics, as well as in firefighting. Therefore, having a thorough comprehension of foam and the challenges it presents is crucial. This comprehensive review article offers a detailed analysis of the processes involved in foam generation, stability, and rupture, emphasizing the influence of physical and chemical parameters. With their intricate structure and unique characteristics, foams play a crucial role in a wide range of industrial sectors including oil and gas, food production, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The stability of foams is influenced by various factors such as the type of gas, solution composition (including surfactants, pH, polymers, and nanoparticles), and operational conditions (e.g., temperature and injection pressure). Each of these factors can impact foam stability by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the liquid and gas phases. The review thoroughly examines the role of surfactants in reducing surface tension, the use of nanoparticles to enhance foam structure, and the function of polymers as thickeners and stabilizers. These materials improve foam stability by regulating the behavior of the liquid phase, reducing drainage rates, and preventing bubble coalescence. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the impact of operational variables like temperature and injection pressure on foam stability. Higher temperatures can lead to increased liquid drainage and bubble coalescence, but these negative effects can be mitigated by using suitable compounds such as thermally resistant surfactants and nanoparticles, along with increased injection gas pressure. In addition, the salt content and pH of the solution significantly influence foam stability by altering the electrostatic properties of the liquid phase. The conclusions drawn from this review highlight the effectiveness of optimizing the combination of materials and process conditions to enhance foam stability. This study lays a solid groundwork for future research aimed at improving and developing highly s