2D-sintering kinetics of two model fluids as drops

The aim of the present work was to examine the effect of the theological behavior of polymer liquids on the kinetics of the sintering process between two drops of the same liquid put in close vicinity of a solid surface. Nine samples of three different natures have been used: three poly(dimetylsiloxane)s (PDMS) of various viscosities, two polybutenes (PB) of different viscosities and four Boger fluids. The sintering experiments were carried out with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) substrate at room temperature. The surface tension of the samples was measured with the sessile drop method and the sintering process was captured by a CCD camera and the variation in time of the neck radius during was compared to Bellehumeur et al. model. The effects of viscosity, surface tension and relaxation time are discussed.