Physics of Wetting: Phenomena and Applications of Fluids on Surfaces

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. ContentsWhat is surface tension?Wetting of surfaces: the contact angleSurface tension-assisted floating of heavy and light objects and walking of water stridersCapillary interactions between particles. Particles placed on liquid surfaces. Elasticity of liquid surfaces, covered by colloidal particlesCapillary wavesOscillation of dropletsMarangoni flow and surface instabilitiesEvaporation of droplets. The Kelvin and the coffee-stain effectsCondensation, growth and coalescence of droplets and the breath-figure self-assemblyDynamics 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 regimesThe Leidenfrost effect. Liquid marbles: self-propulsionPhysics, 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.