Wetting transitions of classical liquid films

Wetting behavior for the adsorption of Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe for temperatures above their triple point is calculated. Experimental observations of wetting and prewetting transitions of these simple liquids are predicted. A nearly universal trend in the physical interaction parameters for Ar, Kr and Xe on various substrates is reported. It is shown, that the classical 'law of corresponding states' can be extended to predict approximately universal behavior in the wetting transitions of these films. It is demonstrated, by comparison with Ne, H2 and He films, that quantum effects enhances wetting in that there is a larger range of adsorption parameters leading to wetting when zero-point motion is included. (authors). 33 refs., 7 figs., 5 tabs