Spreading of latex particles on a substrate

We have investigated both experimentally and theoretically the spreading behavior of latex particles deposited on solid substrates. These particles, which are composed of cross-linked polymer chains, have an intrinsic elastic modulus. We show that the elasticity must be considered to account for the observed contact angle between the particle and the solid substrate, as measured through atomic-force microscopy techniques. In particular, the work of adhesion computed within our model can be significantly larger than that from the classical Dupré formula.