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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Confocal Imaging of Confined Quiescent and Flowing Colloid-polymer Mixtures

Confocal Imaging of Confined Quiescent and Flowing Colloid-polymer Mixtures

Published on: May 20, 2014

Suppression of the coffee-ring effect by shape-dependent capillary interactions.

Peter J Yunker¹, Tim Still, Matthew A Lohr

¹Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. pyunker@sas.upenn.edu

|August 19, 2011

Summary

The coffee-ring effect, where particles deposit in rings, can be eliminated by using ellipsoidal particles. Particle shape controls deposition, enabling uniform coatings without altering particle or solvent chemistry.

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Area of Science:

Physics
Materials Science
Colloid Science

Background:

The coffee-ring effect describes the ring-like deposition of particles from drying liquid drops.
This phenomenon is common across various particle sizes and materials, hindering uniform coating applications.
Existing methods to avoid the coffee-ring effect are often complex or require chemical modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of particle shape in controlling deposition patterns during liquid drop evaporation.
To demonstrate a method for eliminating the coffee-ring effect using particle geometry.
To explore the potential for achieving uniform particle deposition through shape-based control.

Main Methods:

Experimental investigation of liquid drop drying on solid surfaces.
Comparison of deposition patterns for spherical versus ellipsoidal particles.
Analysis of particle behavior at the air-water interface and interparticle interactions.

Main Results:

Ellipsoidal particles, unlike spheres, result in uniform particle deposition after evaporation.
The anisotropic shape of ellipsoids induces strong interparticle capillary interactions and interface deformation.
These interactions form structures that prevent particles from accumulating at the drop edge.
Mixtures of spheres and ellipsoids can also yield uniform deposition under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

Particle shape is a critical parameter for controlling deposition patterns during drying.
Utilizing ellipsoidal particles offers a simple and effective strategy to overcome the coffee-ring effect.
This shape-dependent control provides a versatile approach for creating uniform coatings in diverse applications.