Triple line destabilization -- Tuning film thickness through meniscus curvature

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the stability and thickness of a dewetting film can be controlled by the macroscopic curvature of the meniscus, highlighting the role of geometry in triple line dynamics.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence that pressure-induced meniscus curvature influences film thickness and dewetting velocity, challenging previous assumptions of fixed values in such systems.

Findings

Dewetting velocity and film thickness can be tuned by meniscus curvature.

Macroscopic geometry significantly affects triple line stability.

Results confirm theoretical predictions by Eggers (2004).

Abstract

For partially wetting fluids, previous results suggest that the thickness and the dewetting velocity of gravity driven films are uniquely determined by the triple line dynamics. In contrast, when flushing aqueous liquids through polymer tubes, our measurements show that the dewetting velocity and thickness can be selected. The control parameter is pressure, i.e. the macroscopic curvature of the meniscus. Our results demonstrate directly the major role played by the macroscopic geometry in the stability of the triple line in a dynamic meniscus as predicted by Eggers (Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 094502 (2004)).