Abstract
A wetting transition occurs when the contact angle of a liquid drop on a surface changes from a nonzero value to zero. Such a transition has never been observed for water on any solid surface. This paper discusses the value of the temperajture T w at which the transition should occur for water on graphite. A simple model, previously used for nonpolar fluids, predicts the value of T w as a function of the well depth D of the adsorption potential. While D is not well known for the case of water/graphite, the model implies that T w is likely to fall in the range 350-500 K. Experimental search for this transition is warranted. Water-wetting transition temperatures on other surfaces are also discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 11704-11708 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry B |
Volume | 108 |
Issue number | 31 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 5 2004 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Materials Chemistry