Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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DY: Fachverband Dynamik und Statistische Physik

DY 11: Wetting, Fluidics and Liquids at Interfaces and Surfaces II (joint session CPP/DY)

DY 11.3: Talk

Monday, March 9, 2026, 12:00–12:15, ZEU/0260

Impact of surface wettability on the removal of montmorillonite aggregates by water drops How natural dirt is removed from various surfaces — •Stefanie Kirschner, Franziska. Sabath, Azadeh Sharifi-Aghili, Tarik Karakaya, and Doris Vollmer — Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany

Natural dust on photovoltaic modules or windows, is a critical factor that reduces their performance. Previous experiments focused on the removal on single or many spherical particles. The removal of aggregates of natural particles, is not yet understood. Here, we focus on minerals, commonly present in desert dust. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy the detachment behavior upon contact with a water drop is measured on surfaces with different wettability. In addition, the force required to remove the aggregate by a sliding water drop was investigated. During drying on a hydrophilic surface, the dispersed particles cover a larger area. This increases the total contact area, resulting in higher adhesion and reduced detachment. In contrast, hydrophobic surfaces promoted more compact aggregates with improved removability. Finally, I will compare the detachment forces and the removal behavior of different natural aggregates, e.g. soot, salt and humic acid.