Effect of CaCO₃ Particle Size on Surface Wetting and Adhesion: Studies on PMMA Model Substrates and <i>Laurus nobilis</i> Leaves.

ABSTRACT: Leaf surfaces are protected by a hydrophobic cuticle with variable chemical composition and roughness, which often limits spray droplet retention and absorption. Optimizing foliar spray performance is therefore critical to maximize the desired effect on the target plant and minimize environmental impact. This study investigates the impact of particle size of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in the presence and absence of a non-ionic surfactant on leaf surface deposition and wetting behavior. The tested formulations contained (i) no particles, (ii) CaCO₃ nanoparticles, and (iii) CaCO₃ microparticles (each at 2 wt%), applied using an airbrush or a handheld sprayer to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates, serving as model substrate, and on laurel leaves (Laurus n

SUBMITTER: Mueller N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12737221 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature