Dynamics of anchored oscillating nanomenisci

Abstract

We present a self-contained study of the dynamics of oscillating nanomenisci anchored on nanometric topographical defects around a cylindrical nanofiber with a radius below 100 nm. Using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM), we show that the friction coefficient surges as the contact angle is decreased. We propose a theoretical model within the lubrification 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 are discussed as a function of liquid and surface properties in addition to the forcing conditions.