Rejuvenated bouncing of non-Newtonian droplet via nanoparticle enwrapping

We have studied the impact dynamics of non-Newtonian droplets containing poly-(ethylene oxide) (PEO) by using a high speed camera. To get a deeper insight into the droplet-substrate interaction on droplet impact behavior, both the bare droplet and the liquid marbles have been investigated. The usually observed anti-rebound phenomenon caused by the PEO additives can be rejuvenated by enwrapment of droplets with nanoparticles. The presence of PEO in bare droplets greatly enhances the contact line friction and leads to irreversible impalement of the surface structure. Whereas for liquid marbles, the nanoparticle shell on the droplet surface inhibits the impalement. Our results clearly demonstrate that it is the droplet-substrate friction rather than the bulk rheological properties of the liquid that plays the essential role in the anti-rebound effect. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.