A lattice model for the line tension of a sessile drop (Q878340)

It is introduced the definition of the line tension and the wall as the sublattice considered by numerous publications. The free energy (line tension) associated with the contact line between the two phases and the substrate is considered by using cluster expansion techniques, within a semi-infinite three-dimensional lattice gas model describing the coexistence of two phases on a substrate. It is shown that this line tension is given at low temperature by a convergent series whose leading term is negative, equals 0 at zero temperature. For a lattice gas model describing the coexistence of a dense and diluted phase on a wall, the free energy of the contact line between the phases and the wall is analyzed. In the paper the main result is follows: For \(J > | K| \) and if the temperature is low enough, i.e., if \(\beta(J- | K| )\geq c_0\), where \(c_0\) is a given constant, then the line tension, \(\lambda(\beta)\), exists and is strictly negative as soon as the temperature is different from zero. Moreover, \(\lambda(\beta)\) is an analytic function for which an explicit convergent series expansion can be found, whose leading term is \(-\frac{2}{\beta}e^{-6\beta J}\cosh( 2\beta K)\).