Abstract
Surface wetting is a multiscale phenomenon where properties at the macroscale are determined by features at much smaller length scales, such as nanoscale surface topographies. Traditionally, the wetting of surfaces is quantified by the macroscopic contact angle that a liquid droplet makes, but this approach suffers from various limitations. In recent years, several techniques have been developed to address these shortcomings, ranging from direct measurements of pinning forces using cantilever-based force probes to atomic force microscopy methods. In this review, we will discuss how these new techniques allow for the probing of surface wetting properties in far greater detail. Advances in surface characterization techniques will improve our understanding of surface wetting and facilitate the design of functional surfaces and materials, including for antifogging and antifouling applications.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Communications Physics |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 28 2023 |
Bibliographical note
KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2023-07-07Acknowledged KAUST grant number(s): BAS/1/1416-01-01
Acknowledgements: D.D. acknowledges support from KAUST startup fund BAS/1/1416-01-01. This work was carried out under the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence Program (2022-2029) in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials LIBER (Project number 346109 and 346112). M.B. was supported by the Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Research Grant (Grant agreement number 309237). N.T. is grateful to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) for providing financial support under the PHAROS Advanced Surfaces Programme (grant number 1523700101, project number SC25/16-2P1203.