Drop impact on a hot surface: effect of a polymer additive

The impact of a drop on a hot surface is studied for Weber numbers between 20 and 220, and wall temperatures between 120 and 180degreesC. Drops of pure water are compared with drops of a dilute polyethylene oxide water solution (0.02% M). The additive is shown to inhibit drop splashing, the ejection of secondary droplets and mist formation. As previously observed, the polymer can also prevent drops from bouncing off a cold wall. This is no longer true if the wall is above the dynamic Leidenfrost temperature, which is lower for the polymer solution.