Effects of London-van der Waals and electric double layer forces on the thinning of a dimpled film between a small drop or bubble and a horizontal solid plane

Abstract When a small drop or bubble approaches a horizontal solid surface, a thin liquid film is trapped and forms a dimple between them. A model is developed for an axisymmetric, dimpled thinning film to include the effects of London-van der Waals and electric double layer forces. Depending on the signs and strength of these two components of disjoining pressure, the dimpled thinning film forms a flat film or ruptures at the rim. The time required to form a flat film or rupture and the flat film thickness are also dependent upon these two components. Some qualitative comparisons show that the calculations presented are consistent with experimental results available in the literature. Related studies on the wettability of solid surfaces are discussed.