When droplets impact fibrous media, the liquid can be captured by the fibers or break away. The efficiency of drop capture by a rigid fiber depends on the impact velocity: there is a threshold velocity above which the drop is released. However, the capture or release of a droplet impacting a flexible fiber depends on elastic and capillary effects. Our results demonstrate that the threshold velocity depends on the flexibility of fibers in a non-monotonic way. Tuning the mechanical properties of fibers can optimize the efficiency of drop capture.
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