Incomplete wetting by adsorbed solid films

Abstract

The free energy of an adsorbed solid film is examined on a phenomenological basis, taking into account the elastic energy as well as substrate-adsorbate interactions. The equilibrium film is found generally to be strained relative to the bulk lattice spacing along directions parallel to the adsorption plane. The resulting equilibrium film thickness does not diverge at the bulk solid phase boundary except possibly at special points. The data for noble gases on graphite are reviewed from this point of view.