# Liquid droplets on a free-standing glassy membrane: deformation through the glass transition

## TL;DR

This study investigates how micro-droplets deform free-standing glassy membranes by measuring contact and bulge angles as the membrane transitions from glassy to melt state, revealing force balance behavior.

## Contribution

It introduces a method to analyze droplet-induced deformation of free-standing glassy films across the glass transition, linking mechanical deformation to temperature-dependent tension.

## Key findings

- Contact angles match force balance predictions
- Bulge angles are consistent with tension changes
- Deformation behavior varies with temperature

## Abstract

In this study, micro-droplets are placed on thin, glassy, free-standing films where the Laplace pressure of the droplet deforms the free-standing film, creating a bulge. The film's tension is modulated by changing temperature continuously from well below the glass transition into the melt state of the film. The contact angle of the liquid droplet with the planar film as well as the angle of the bulge with the film are measured and found to be consistent with the contact angles predicted by a force balance at the contact line.