Dynamics of anchored oscillating nanomenisci

The study of liquid dynamics in the close vicinity of the contact line is fundamental to understand the physics of wetting. In this context, we present a self-contained study of the dynamics of oscillating nanomenisci anchored on topographical defects around a cylindrical nanofiber (radius below 100 nm). Using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) with dedicated tips, we show that the friction coefficient surges as the contact angle is decreased. We propose a theoretical model within the lubrication approximation that reproduces the experimental data and provides a comprehensive description of the dynamics of the nanomeniscus. The dissipation pattern in the vicinity of the contact line and the anchoring properties of the defects are discussed as a function of liquid and surface properties in addition to the solicitation conditions and defects size.