WETTING OF MERCURY SURFACES BY HALIDE ELECTROLYTE-SOLUTIONS

The contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, and interfacial tension w ere measured using a model system consisting of mercury and halide aqu eous solutions. The measured contact angle hysteresis was discussed in terms of the surface roughness, chemical heterogeneity, and mechanica l instability. The experimental results of contact angle measurements were analyzed using the surface force theory of wetting films, which d emonstrated the presence of hydrophobic forces. The origin of the hydr ophobic force observed in the present system was discussed briefly. Th e importance of hydrated halide anions in controlling the wettability of mercury surfaces was demonstrated. Finally, a correlation between t he interfacial tension and hydrophobic force was illustrated.