Study of residue patterns of aqueous nanofluid droplets with different particle sizes and concentrations on different substrates

Nanofluid droplet evaporation has attracted great interest due to its applications such as in painting, coating and patterning. In most studies, either the particle size or the concentration of nanofluid is considered as a factor in the formation of the residue pattern. This work aims to investigate the effect of both particle size and concentration on the residue pattern. A comprehensive study was made of the residue patterns of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ aqueous nanofluid droplets on different substrates (i.e. glass, stainless steel and Teflon). It was found that a ring-shaped pattern was formed at low concentrations and small particle sizes, while a uniform pattern was formed at high concentrations and large particle sizes for Al₂O₃ nanofluids. In addition, only ring-shaped residue patterns were observed for all concentrations of TiO₂ nanofluids. In the case of different substrates, on a material with a high contact angle with water, it was difficult to form a ring-shaped pattern. The widths of the ring-shaped pattern were analyzed as well. The results showed that the width of the ring-shaped pattern was larger for small particles. The materials of substrate and nanoparticle also influenced the width.