Dropwise condensation rate of water breath figures on polymer surfaces having similar surface free energies

► Formation and growth of breath figures in the first regime were investigated. ► Polyolefin surfaces having close surface tension but different CAH were used. ► Roughness and CAH has an important effect on nucleation and condensation rate. ► The number density of droplets increased mainly with the increase in roughness. ► Droplet surface coverage increased with the increase in roughness and CAH.