Liquid coating of moving fiber at the nanoscale.

Abstract

Using large scale molecular dynamics, we study the contact line motion of a liquid meniscus crossed by a moving nanofiber. Varying the amplitude of the liquid/solid interactions, we analyze the shape of the meniscus versus time for a range of velocities. The associated contact angles are estimated by fitting the profiles using the James equation. The corresponding flux lines describing the displacement of the liquid molecules inside the meniscus have also been measured. The analysis of the dynamic contact angle is in agreement with the molecular-kinetic theory and confirms the existence of an optimal speed for wetting.