Wetting Transitions near Bulk Triple Points

Abstract

The effect of a bulk triple point between phases $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}$, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ on the wetting, by films of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ or $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, of an $\ensuremath{\alpha}|\ensuremath{\omega}$ interface (between a wall $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and bulk $\ensuremath{\alpha}$) is discussed phenomenologically. Various additional wetting and surface transitions are induced by the triple point and may be pinned by it, and a compound ($\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) film may appear. The results are relevant to recent adsorption experiments and simulations.