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Updated: May 27, 2026
06:26
Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Wetting transitions in two-, three-, and four-phase systems.
Vahid Hejazi1, Michael Nosonovsky
1College of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 8, 2011
Summary
This study explores wetting phenomena on rough surfaces with multiple fluid interfaces, extending existing models and presenting experimental results for underwater oleophobic systems. Findings reveal phase transition dynamics governing wetting behavior.
Area of Science:
- Surface science and interfacial phenomena
- Multiphase fluid dynamics
- Materials science and engineering
Background:
- Understanding wetting on rough surfaces is crucial for applications ranging from anti-fouling coatings to microfluidics.
- Traditional models (Wenzel, Cassie-Baxter) often simplify complex interfacial interactions.
- Mimicking natural structures like fish scales provides insights into advanced wetting behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter wetting models to two-, three-, and four-phase systems.
- To experimentally investigate wetting transitions in multiphase systems on composite surfaces.
- To analyze wetting transitions as phase transitions using the phase-field approach.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical extension of Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models.
- Experimental observation of wetting on metal-matrix composite surfaces in contact with water and oil.
- Application of the phase-field approach to model wetting transitions.
Main Results:
- Successful extension of wetting models to complex multiphase interfaces.
- Demonstration of wetting transitions in underwater oleophobic systems.
- Identification of a gradient coefficient as key to wetting transition dynamics and hysteresis.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding wetting on complex rough surfaces.
- Experimental validation confirms the occurrence of wetting transitions in challenging underwater environments.
- The phase-field approach offers a powerful tool for predicting and controlling wetting behavior and hysteresis.
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