The effect of surface anisotropy on contact angles and the characterization of elliptical cap droplets

In this paper, the variation of contact angles of a droplet on grooved surfaces was studied from microscale to macroscale experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results indicated that the contact angle changes nonlinearly with anisotropic factor. To get clear of the changing process of contact angle on grooved surfaces from microscale to macroscale, we carried out theoretical analysis with moment equilibrium method being adopted. In addition, the variation of contact angles in different directions was investigated and a mathematic model to calculate arbitrary contact angles around the elliptic contact line was suggested. For the convenience of potential applications, a symbolic contact angle was proposed to characterize the ellipsoidal cap droplet on grooved surfaces. Our results will offer help to the future design of patterned surfaces in practical applications,and deepen the understanding of wetting behavior on grooved surfaces.