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Migration of nanoparticles across a polymer-polymer interface: theory and simulation
Nigel Gibbions1, Nigel Clarke, Didier R Long
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RH, UK. ngibbions1@sheffield.ac.uk.
Soft Matter
|July 28, 2021
Summary
We developed a new model for liquid flow near surfaces, applicable to nanoparticle behavior in polymer blends. This model explains how nanoparticles reach equilibrium and move between liquid interfaces under flow.
Area of Science:
- Soft Matter Physics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Understanding liquid behavior near interfaces is crucial for materials science.
- Existing models struggle to fully capture complex phenomena like nanoparticle dynamics in polymer blends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a unified theoretical framework for hydrodynamic flows in inhomogeneous liquids.
- To apply this model to nanoparticle wetting and dewetting dynamics in polymer blends.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical description of hydrodynamic flows near solid interfaces.
- Application of Onsager formalism for linear response theory.
- Analysis of nanoparticle migration and equilibrium in binary polymer mixtures.
Main Results:
- The model successfully describes diffusio-osmosis and wetting/dewetting dynamics.
- Demonstrated nanoparticle equilibrium at liquid-liquid interfaces in polymer blends.
- Showcased nanoparticle migration from less-preferred to more-preferred polymer phases under flow.
Conclusions:
- The proposed theoretical model provides a consistent description of liquid interfaces and out-of-equilibrium dynamics.
- This framework offers insights into nanoparticle self-assembly and directed motion in complex fluids.
- The model has potential applications in designing and controlling nanoparticle behavior in polymer systems.
