Wetting phenomena and lateral adhesion

Surface energies are key factors in many physical problems but they are often difficult to determine. A straightforward way to determine surface energies is by placing a drop on the surface of interest and using the Young equation and the recently obtained relation between the Young contact angle and the maximal advancing, \textit{$\theta $}$_{A}$, and minimal receding, \textit{$\theta $}$_{R}$, contact angles$^{1}$ to extract the surface energy of the surface. We present here some ways to measure the two extremes contact angles and discuss the related lateral adhesion. 1. R. Tadmor, \textit{Langmuir}\textbf{, }$20, $7659-7664, \textbf{2004.}