Abstract
An explanation is proposed for a non-unique dependence of the dynamic contact angle on the wetting speed observed experimentally for some liquid-solid systems at low wetting speeds. The key idea is that the flow pattern near the wetting line, which follows from previously developed theory, suggests the possibility of a microscopic mass flux from the three-phase-interaction zone into the bulk thus causing 'imperfect rolling' of the spreading liquid. The resultant 'starvation' of the liquid-solid interface gives rise to a higher value of the contact angle. The above flow pattern turns into the regular one at a certain wetting speed thus determining the region where the metastable regimes of wetting, can be observed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 319-330 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 24 Dec 2001 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Jan 2002 |