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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes
Published on: December 24, 2014
Origin of contact line forces during the retraction of dilute polymer solution drops
1School of Physics and Astronomy and Nottingham Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Centre, University of Nottingham , University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
Abstract:
The forced dewetting of water and dilute poly(ethylene oxide) solution (PEO) drops is investigated for syringe-driven flow. Comparisons are made with the free dewetting observed during drop impact. We provide strong evidence that during droplet retraction, polymer deposited on the substrate results in a velocity-dependent force at the contact line. These findings are in stark contrast to previous studies which attributed dissipation to bulk viscoelastic effects or normal stress effects at the contact line.
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