Synergy between the crack pattern and substrate elasticity in colloidal deposits

Desiccation cracks in colloidal deposits occur to release the excess strain energy arising from competition between drying induced shrinkage of deposit and its adhesion substrate. Here we report remarkably different morphology desiccation dried patterns formed by evaporation sessile drops containing colloids on elastomer (soft) or glass (stiff) substrates. The change crack pattern, i.e., radial stiff substrates circular soft substrates, is shown arise solely due variation elasticity underlying Our experiments calculations reveal an intricate correlation substrate's elasticity. mismatch modulus substrate that particulate significantly alters rate during nucleation propagation cracks. stark attributed tensile compressive nature drying-induced in-plane stresses.