Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:26
Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Switching direction of laterally ordered monolayers induced by transfer instability
Antonio Raudino1, Bruno Pignataro
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania, V.le A. Doria 6-95125, Catania, Italy.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 20, 2007
Summary
Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers exhibit nanoscopic periodic patterns. Transfer speed and film density control pattern orientation, influencing nanostructure formation in thin films.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers can form nanoscopic periodic patterns.
- These patterns can be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the film transfer direction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interpret experimental findings of nanoscopic periodic patterns in LB monolayers.
- To model the nonequilibrium dynamics governing pattern formation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a nonequilibrium model based on coupled fluctuations of surfactant concentration and film thickness.
- Analysis of fluid subphase thickness fluctuations near the meniscus of a receding thin film.
Main Results:
- The model explains pattern formation based on stability criteria.
- At high transfer speeds, patterns are perpendicular to the transfer direction.
- At low transfer speeds, patterns are parallel to the transfer direction.
Conclusions:
- Transfer speed and film density are key parameters controlling pattern shape.
- A qualitative phase diagram illustrates the relationship between experimental conditions and pattern morphology.
