Dynamics and corresponding morphology of dewetting of thin polystyrene films at temperatures close to the glass transition were investigated by measuring simultaneously dewetted distance and width of the rim. Comparing the opening of cylindrical holes with the retraction of a straight contact line revealed (i) a drastic influence of the geometry (planar or radial symmetry) on the dynamics at early stages, (ii) a new logarithmic dewetting regime, and (iii) transitions between four dewetting regimes clearly indicated by changes in the shape of the rim. The complete dewetting scenario can be understood as an initial dominance of capillary driving forces, which is progressively overtaken by dissipation related to the increasing size of the rim.

• Received 18 July 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.216101