Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 166, 155-158 (2009)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2009-00898-6

Experimental investigation of the motion and deformation of droplets on surfaces with a linear wettability gradient

Fachhochschule Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, Chair of Thermofluiddynamics, Zur Schwedenschanze 15, 18435 Stralsund, Germany

Corresponding author: paul.zielke@fh-stralsund.de

Abstract

The present paper reports on the behavior of droplets on surfaces with a wettability gradient. When placed on the less wettable part of such a gradient, a drop may move in direction of increasing wettability depending on the liquid used, droplet size and steepness of the gradient. Here we present the latest results of our work as well as the technique used to produce the gradient surfaces.