Magnetic Field Inspired Contact Angle Hysteresis Drives Floating Polyolefin Rafts

Abstract

Displacement of floating polymer (polyolefin) rafts by steady magnetic field is reported. The effect is due to the interplay of gravity deforming the water/vapor interface, contact angle hysteresis and diamagnetic properties of the liquid support. Magnetic field (ca. 0.06 T) deformed the water/vapor interface and impacted the interfacial apparent contact angle. This deformation gave rise to the propulsion force, displacing the polymer raft. The velocity of displacement of the center of mass of rafts was registered. The effect is related to the contact angle hysteresis affected by the magnetic field, enabling the change in the apparent interfacial contact angle. The semi-quantitative model of the process is suggested