A novel method for evaluation of dynamic wetting properties on different superhydrophobic surfaces has been used in order to characterize the sliding rate of water droplets. The motion of droplets has been recorded with high-speed video and the relevant data have been extracted by custom made image analysis software. The influence of tilt angle and droplet size on sliding acceleration has been investigated for tilt angles ranging from 2,5 degrees to 30 degrees and droplet volumes ranging from 1 �l to 10 �l. Special interest has been devoted to the case of zero acceleration, since it determines whether non-stationary droplets will roll off or remain pinned to the surface. The data has been compared with more commonly used methods such as contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle. Furthermore, two new surface properties called equilibrium sliding angle and sliding angle hysteresis have been introduced.

Influence of tilt angle and droplet size on the sliding rate of water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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