LAUSR

Abstract The review covers the most recent researches of wetting and dewetting phenomena related with application of hygroscopic liquids in industry and technologies. Hygroscopic liquids actively absorb moisture form the surrounding air and therefore are used in the processes required the moisturizing of surfaces or preventing the icing as well as control of evaporation rate and the humidity. The air humidity and wettability of substrates shown to be crucial parameters affecting the wetting/dewetting kinetics of hygroscopic liquids. It is the adsorption of moisture on the hydrophilic surface that promotes the formation and spread of the precursor layer. The latter, in turn, is the droplet-spreading driver. The absorption of moisture by the liquid itself gives only a slight effect on wetting. The works devoted to the dewetting of hygroscopic liquids during evaporation, and the influence of thermal effects arising from contact with moist air on the wetting kinetics are also considered.