E. Perez et al., Spreading dynamics of polydimethylsiloxane drops: Crossover from Laplace to van der Waals spreading, J COLL I SC, 234(1), 2001, pp. 178-193
The spreading dynamics of small polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) drops was studi
ed on substrates with varying surface energies. For experimental parameters
near the wetting transition, we observed small PDMS drops of different dro
p volumes as a function of time using interference video microscopy. While
for large drops the contact angle theta decreases with the well-established
power-law relation theta similar to t(-0.3) (Tanner's law), the effect of
dispersive van der Waals (VW) interactions must be taken into account when
interpreting the evolution of small drops. Two signatures of the VW forces
are observed. For a positive Hamaker constant, the disjoining pressure acts
as an additional driving force, leading to an acceleration of droplet spre
ading as soon as the drop height becomes comparable to the range of the VW
interactions. In addition, a precursor film forms ahead of the contact line
, leading to an apparent volume loss, particularly noticeable for very smal
l drops. Contact line pinning may be a problem and we describe its effect o
n our experimental results. We present a theory that discusses the interpla
y of surface tension and VW forces in the case of a spreading drop. This mo
del predicts a new spreading regime for very thin drops, in agreement with
our experimental results. (C) 2001 Academic Press.