A unique behavior of water drops induced by low-density polyethylene surface with a sharp wettability transition

Abstract

A low-density polyethylene (LDPE) surface with a sharp wettability gradient and high hysteresis was prepared, on which a unique behavior of water drops was found. The water contact angle of one water drop on the less hydrophobic region was larger than that on the more hydrophobic end, which was much different from the general phenomenon. The unique behavior is believed to be induced by the high hysteresis of the LDPE surface and the sharp change in wettability. The driving and hysteresis forces acting on the water drops were calculated and analyzed in detail. The reasons resulting to such a unique phenomenon were further explained.