Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces

Details Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces

2011-07-14

arxiv.org/abs/1107.2898v1

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

13 pages, 11 figures

Scientific paper

The equilibrium properties of polymer droplets on a soft deformable surface are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations of a bead-spring model. The surface consists of a polymer brush with irreversibly end-tethered linear homopolymer chains onto a flat solid substrate. We tune the softness of the surface by varying the grafting density. Droplets are comprised of bead-spring polymers of various chain lengths. First, both systems, brush and polymer liquid, are studied independently in order to determine their static and dynamic properties. In particular, using a numerical implementation of an AFM experiment, we measure the shear modulus of the brush surface and compare the results to theoretical predictions. Then, we study the wetting behavior of polymer droplets with different contact angles and on substrates that differ in softness. Density profiles reveal, under certain conditions, the formation of a wetting ridge beneath the three-phase contact line. Cap-shaped droplets and cylindrical droplets are also compared to estimate the effect of the line tension with respect to the droplet size. Finally, the results of the simulations are compared to a phenomenological free-energy calculation that accounts for the surface tensions and the compliance of the soft substrate. Depending on the surface/drop compatibility, surface softness and drop size, a transition between two regimes is observed: from one where the drop surface energy balances the adhesion with the surface, which is the classical Young-Dupr\'e wetting regime, to another one where a coupling occurs between adhesion, droplet and surface elastic energies.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Statics of polymer droplets on deformable surfaces will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-225987