The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

When a particle contacts a liquid film, capillary forces generate strong adhesion governed by surface tension and Laplace pressure, both determined by the meniscus geometry. As the film becomes thinner, higher curvature and local liquid depletion zones enhances the pressure-driven contribution. This study experimentally demonstrates that decreasing film thickness significantly amplifies the role of Laplace pressure in capillary interactions. Based on this mechanism, we developed an environmentally friendly dust filter inspired by the human nasal filtration system. By coating porous substrates with a thin, non-volatile liquid layer derived from eco-friendly materials, the filter achieves high particulate matter capture without sacrificing air permeability. This sustainable design enables efficient high-speed filtration, suppresses particle re-dispersion, supports bidirectional dust removal, and presents a green, energy-efficient alternative to conventional filtration technologies.