Self-propelled sessile droplets on a superheated and heterogeneous wetting surface

Abstract

In this study, we investigated self-propelled sessile droplet evaporation on superheated surfaces with mixed wetting patterns. The primary reason for droplet motion was an increase in surface temperature and the difference in surface energy, which affected the moving contact line and moved droplets close to the wetting regions and then out to the heating surface. In this study, we observed that increases in temperature significantly influenced the changes in surface adhesion force. The force balance equation was used to demonstrate the existence of a moment of droplet movement. In addition, temperature data demonstrated energy conservation behaviour. The heterogeneous wetting surface exhibited greater differences in energy because of the energy expended during liquid–vapour phase transition and droplet movement.