title: Electrowetting-induced dewetting transitions on superhydrophobic surfaces.
abstract: We develop and demonstrate the use of electrowetting to achieve the dewetting (Wenzel-to-Cassie transition) of superhydrophobic surfaces. We effect this transition by means of an opposing flat plate and a three-electrode system; the liquid droplet is completely pulled out of its wetted Wenzel state upon the application of a suitable voltage. We also experimentally quantify the dissipative forces preventing the dewetting transition. The energy associated with these nonconservative forces is comparable to the interfacial energies.
authors.affiliation: School of Mechanical Engineering and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Niru
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kumari
authors.forename: Suresh V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Garimella
mesh_terms: D058874:Electrowetting; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D010316:Particle Size; D044367:Phase Transition; D013499:Surface Properties; D017155:Wettability