Deposition of Langmuir-Blodgett layers

Abstract

The behavior of a liquid being pulled out along a vertical plate is discussed, assuming that, in equilibrium, the liquid has a finite contact angleθ _e . Using a simplified form of the Huh-Scriven analysis for viscous friction, we show that a steady state solution (with a dynamic contact angleθ<θ _e ) exists provided that the velocity of pull-outU is below a certain thresholdU _m(θ_e). These considerations can be transposed (with a modification in numerical coefficients) to the case where the liquid is covered with a surfactant monolayer, to be transferred towards the solid in theY mode. SinceU _m is predicted in terms of interfacial tensions, this may provide a general scheme of interpretation for “reactive” deposition.