CARRIER WITH ANISOTROPIC WETTING SURFACES

摘要

A carrier with an anisotropic wetting surface including a substrate with a multiplicity of asymmetric substantially uniformly shaped asperities thereon. Each asperity has a first asperity rise angle and a second asperity rise angle relative to the substrate. The asperities are structured to present a desired retentive force ratio (f_i/f₂) greater or less than unity caused by asymmetry between the first asperity rise angle and the second asperity rise angle according to the formula: f₃/f₂ = sin(?₃ + 1/2?T₀)/sin(?₂ + 1/2?T₀) Entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of the carrier may be provided with the anisotropic wetting surfaces. The anisotropic wetting qualities may ensure that small droplets of liquid drain fully from the surface or, alternately, may ensure that droplets are retained in areas where they dry so that any contaminants are unlikely to cause harm.