Retention or repulsion forces induced by bubbles trapped at the base of an immersed microparticle on a substrate

Our study investigates the entrapment of air bubbles beneath micrometer-sized particles upon immersion, employing theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. We reveal that the wettability of both particles and substrates significantly influences the adhesion forces due to trapped bubbles. Our findings, validated through experiments, highlight that hydrophobic surfaces increase the likelihood of bubble entrapment, thereby enhancing particle detachment forces. This work offers valuable insights for various industries, such as food processing, where optimizing surface coatings could improve cleaning efficiency and promote greener practices.