Crash landing
Figure 5. A schematic representation of how a dilute polymer additive can prevent droplet rebound. (a) The polymer is scattered throughout the solution in small discrete clumps. (b) When the drop impacts and expands on the surface, the polymer molecules unfold and deform. (c) This deformation drains energy out of the drop as it retracts. (d) The drop does not have enough energy to escape the surface and adheres to it.