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Nanoparticle-Mediated Cavitation via CO2 Laser Impacting on Water: Concentration Effect, Temperature Visualization,
Man Hu1, Feng Wang1, Peng Huo1
1Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Scientific Reports
|December 5, 2019
Summary
We demonstrate laser-induced cavitation at the air/water interface using polymer nanoparticles. Nanoparticles promote cavitation and influence temperature, enabling controlled cavitation for material science and medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Laser-induced cavitation is a critical phenomenon in various scientific and technological fields.
- Controlling cavitation generation and properties, especially at interfaces, remains a challenge.
- The role of nanoparticles in laser-induced cavitation and their influence on thermal dynamics requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the generation of cavitation at the air/water interface using CO2 laser impacting on water with seeded polymer nanoparticles.
- To identify different cavitation regimes based on nanoparticle concentration and size.
- To reveal the correlation between cavitation, nanoparticles, and temperature evolution during the process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing CO2 laser to impact water with seeded polymer nanoparticles.
- Employing a high-speed camera to observe and identify cavitation regimes.
- Using a thermal camera for direct spatiotemporal observation of temperature evolution.
Main Results:
- Three distinct cavitation regimes (no cavitation, cavitation, and pseudo-cavitation) were identified.
- Nanoparticles were found to act as nucleation sites, promoting cavitation.
- A correlation between nanoparticles, temperature, and nucleation rate was established.
- A novel core-shell cavitation was demonstrated at a compound hexane/water interface.
Conclusions:
- Polymer nanoparticles enhance laser-induced cavitation at the air/water interface by acting as nucleation promoters.
- Nanoparticles influence local temperature, affecting nucleation rates and cavitation dynamics.
- The developed approach offers a method to control cavitation generation using nanoparticles and interface design for potential applications in material science and medical surgery.

