A melting mode of frozen sessile droplets with unmelted ice layer deposited at the bottom

TL;DR

This study reveals a novel melting mode of frozen sessile droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces where an unmelted ice layer remains at the bottom, significantly affecting melting dynamics and potential anti-icing applications.

Contribution

It identifies and explains a new melting mode with an unmelted ice layer at the bottom, supported by experimental visualization and force analysis, advancing understanding of droplet melting behavior.

Findings

Deposited melting mode occurs faster than floating mode.

Flow dynamics suppress upward movement of unmelted ice.

High temperature and specific surface properties promote the deposited mode.

Abstract

Water-repellent properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them promising for anti-icing and deicing applications. Through experimental visualization of frozen sessile droplets undergoing melting on superhydrophobic surfaces, we identify a melting mode with the unmelted ice layer deposited at the bottom of the melting droplet, even though the density of ice is lower than that of water. In the deposited mode of the melting process, the time required for the frozen droplet to melt completely is much shorter than that in the floating mode. Force analysis shows that the melted fluid flows along the gas-liquid interface toward the top of the melting droplet, thereby exerting force and then suppressing the upward movement of the unmelted ice layer. Moreover, the flow within the liquid film formed between the unmelted ice layer and the heating wall is dominated by the viscous force, which has a lubrication effect and maintains the deposition of the unmelted ice layer. High heating temperature, large contact angle, and low particle concentration are helpful for the occurrence of the deposited mode.