Rupture kinetics of liquid bridges during a pulling process: a kinetic density functional theory study

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Capillary bridges are crucial for adhesion in micro/nanoscale systems.
• They significantly impact atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements and forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the rupture kinetics and transition pathways of liquid bridges during AFM tip retraction.
• Understand how thermodynamic conditions and tip velocity influence these processes.

Main Methods:

• Simulations and experiments analyzing liquid bridge dynamics under tip withdrawal.
• Systematic study of parameters including tip velocity, size, fluid interaction, and humidity.

Main Results:

• Identified two distinct rupture regimes: single-bridge and multi-bridge.
• The multi-bridge regime involves the formation of multiple slender bridges before rupture.
• Critical rupture distance varies with tip velocity and conditions, peaking at the regime boundary.

Conclusions:

• Liquid bridge rupture in AFM is complex, exhibiting distinct pathways based on experimental conditions.
• The multi-bridge regime can lead to longer-range capillary forces.
• Understanding these dynamics is key for precise AFM measurements and micro/nanoscale adhesion control.