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Voltage-induced spreading and superspreading of liquids

Author

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  • G. McHale

    (Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Ellison Place)

  • C. V. Brown

    (School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University)

  • N. Sampara

    (School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University)

Abstract

The ability to quickly spread a liquid across a surface and form a film is fundamental for a diverse range of technological processes, including printing, painting and spraying. Here we show that liquid dielectrophoresis or electrowetting can produce wetting on normally non-wetting surfaces, without needing modification of the surface topography or chemistry. Additionally, superspreading can be achieved without needing surfactants in the liquid. Here we use a modified Hoffman-de Gennes law to predict three distinct spreading regimes: exponential approach to an equilibrium shape, spreading to complete wetting obeying a Tanner’s law-type relationship and superspreading towards a complete wetting film. We demonstrate quantitative experimental agreement with these predictions using dielectrophoresis-induced spreading of stripes of 1,2 propylene glycol. Our findings show how the rate of spreading of a partial wetting system can be controlled using uniform and non-uniform electric fields and how to induce more rapid superspreading using voltage control.

Suggested Citation

  • G. McHale & C. V. Brown & N. Sampara, 2013. "Voltage-induced spreading and superspreading of liquids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2619
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2619
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