Origin of contact line forces during the retraction of dilute polymer solution drops

Langmuir. 2014 May 20;30(19):5455-9. doi: 10.1021/la5005159. Epub 2014 May 8.

Abstract

The forced dewetting of water and dilute poly(ethylene oxide) solution (PEO) drops is investigated for syringe-driven flow. Comparisons are made with the free dewetting observed during drop impact. We provide strong evidence that during droplet retraction, polymer deposited on the substrate results in a velocity-dependent force at the contact line. These findings are in stark contrast to previous studies which attributed dissipation to bulk viscoelastic effects or normal stress effects at the contact line.