Experimental evaluation of the adhesion properties and distinctive features of the spreading of an electrorheological liquid under electric action

A study is made of the action of a constant electric field on the process of spreading of a droplet of an electrorheological liquid. It has been revealed that the effective viscosity, the surface tension, and the equilibrium contact angle of the electrorheological-liquid droplet and the adhesion properties of the liquid depend on the electric-field strength, all other things being equal. During the series of experiments, the influence of surfactants as part of the electrorheological liquids on the value of the contact angle and the rate of spreading of the electrorheological-liquid droplet on the substrate has been evaluated. The experimental-theoretical investigations carried out can be employed in developing the concept of using electrorheological liquids as film coatings and in other technologies.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]