Stability and dewetting of thin liquid films

Abstract

The stability of thin liquid coatings is of fundamental interest in every- day life. Homogeneous and non-volatile liquid coatings may dewet either by heterogeneous nucleation, thermal nucleation, or spinodal dewetting. Wetting and dewetting is explained on a fundamental level, including a discussion of relevant interactions. The article will also address the various dewetting scenarios and explain how the effective interface potential governs the behavior obtained for various stratified substrates and film thicknesses.