Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
Maximum strength for intermolecular adhesion of nanospheres at an optimal size
Haimin Yao1, Pradeep Guduru, Huajian Gao
1Division of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
Abstract:
Previous studies have emphasized that the adhesion strength between solid objects tends to increase as the characteristic size of the objects decreases and eventually saturates at the theoretical adhesion strength below a critical size scale. Here we show that the adhesion strength between two spheres or between a sphere and a solid half-space actually exhibits a peak value at an optimal size. This optimal size arises owing to a transition between surface- and bulk-dominated interaction regimes at the nanoscale.
Related Concept Videos
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Intermolecular Forces
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Intermolecular Forces in Solutions
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Such a solution is called an ideal solution. A mixture of ideal gases (or gases such as helium and argon,...
