Physics of Wetting: Phenomena and Applications of Fluids on Surfaces

Description

Motivated by a plethora of phenomena from nature, this textbook introduces into the physics of wetting of surfaces. After a brief discussion of the foundations of surface tension, its implementation for floating objects, capillary waves, bouncing droplets, walking of water striders, etc. is discussed. Furthermore, Marangoni flows, surface tension inspired instabilities, condensation and evaporation of droplets, liquid marbles, superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity (lotus effect) are introduced. All relevant concepts are illustrated by the numerous qualitative and quantitative exercises. Contents What is surface tension? Wetting of surfaces: the contact angle Surface tension-assisted floating of heavy and light objects and walking of water striders Capillary interactions between particles. Particles placed on liquid surfaces. Elasticity of liquid surfaces, covered by colloidal particles Capillary waves Oscillation of droplets Marangoni flow and surface instabilities Evaporation of droplets. The Kelvin and the coffee-stain effects Condensation, growth and coalescence of droplets and the breath-figure self-assembly Dynamics of wetting: bouncing, spreading and rolling of droplets (water hammer effect – water entry and drag-out problems)Superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity: the Wenzel and Cassie wetting regimes The Leidenfrost effect. Liquid marbles: self-propulsion Physics, geometry, life and death of soap films and bubbles Wetting of surfaces is at the heart of numerous biological and technological processes. Experiments and theory of wetting phenomena are surveyed. Each chapter is accompanied by problem sections for deeper understanding. Preface Contents Symbol index 1. What is surface tension? 2. Wetting of surfaces: the contact angle 3. Surface tension-assisted floating of heavy and light objects and walking of water striders 4. Capillary interactions between particles. Particles placed on liquid surfaces. Elasticity of liquid surfaces, covered by colloidal particles 5. Capillary waves 6. Oscillation of droplets 7. Marangoni flow and surface instabilities 8. Evaporation of droplets. The Kelvin and the coffee-stain effects 9. Condensation, growth and coalescence of droplets and the breath-figure self-assembly 10. Dynamics of wetting: bouncing, spreading and rolling of droplets (water hammer effect – water entry and drag-out problems) 11. Superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity: the Wenzel and Cassie wetting regimes 12. The Leidenfrost effect. Liquid marbles: self-propulsion 13. Physics, geometry, life and death of soap films and bubbles Index