Molecular dynamics simulations of reactive wetting

Liquid Ag drops spreading on a Cu(1 0 0) surface are studied with molecular dynamics simulations. Results for reactive wetting by which a Cu/Ag alloy is formed are compared to a frozen substrate for which there is no alloying. The radius of the Ag wetting layer increases initially as t(1/2) for both cases but drops spread faster in reactive systems. A crossover to slower wetting kinetics is observed at later t. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.