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Regulating droplet-surface contact time via a predeposited microparticle
Chao-Sheng Li1, Shun-Jie Wu1, Rong-Rong Cai1
1South China University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transfer and Low-Carbon Conversion, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China.
Physical Review. E
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Controlling droplet contact time is key for industrial applications. This study shows predeposited microparticles can extend or shorten droplet contact time by up to 40% or 20% respectively, offering precise control.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
- Computational Physics
Background:
- Precise control of droplet-surface contact time is crucial for optimizing industrial processes like inkjet printing and spray cooling.
- Existing methods using surface microstructure modification are costly and can degrade surface properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for regulating droplet-surface contact time using predeposited microparticles.
- To analyze the effects of microparticle placement (on surface vs. within droplet) on contact time dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation coupling the three-dimensional pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann (LB) method and discrete element method (DEM).
- Analysis of fluid-particle-wall interactions to understand droplet behavior.
Main Results:
- A microparticle on a superhydrophobic surface extends contact time by ~40% via increased spreading area, influenced by particle volume fraction and surface wettability.
- A microparticle within a droplet reduces contact time by ~20% due to rebound-induced inertial stretching, dependent on particle properties and impact energy.
- Microparticle predeposition also modulates droplet deformation, energy dissipation, and prevents breakup.
Conclusions:
- Predeposited microparticles offer an efficient, surface-friendly method for precise control of droplet-surface contact time.
- This approach provides significant theoretical support for optimizing droplet-based industrial technologies.
