Reversible and Irreversible Deformation of Particle-Coated Droplets

We report results from an experimental study of controlled deformation of particle-coated droplets (a.k.a. liquid marbles), which typically do not wet solid surfaces.

By applying gentle compression, we derive critical conditions at which rupture occurs, i.e. when the coating of particles cracks open and allows wetting to occur.

Interestingly, before this critical threshold, if the droplets are compressed and then released, the droplets can undergo an irreversible deformation whereby they do not regain their original shape, as one might expect.

By comparing shapes prior to and after compression, we quantify the deformation for a range of particle sizes.

In addition to previous studies on liquid marbles, our observations add another layer of hidden complexity and non-linearity to these seemingly elemental structures