Droplet spreading: a microscopic approach

It is shown that the technique of molecular dynamics allows a complete stud y of the dynamics of droplet spreading at the microscopic scale, for both c omplete and partial wetting regimes. In particular, we are able to study, i n great detail, the net fluxes inside the drop during spreading. We confirm that at the molecular level, the mechanism of spreading can be viewed as a competition between a surface tension driving force and friction between t he liquid and solid atoms. This result supports the molecular kinetic theor y of wetting as well as the de Gennes-Cazabat model of spreading. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.