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Passive particle transport using a transversely propelling polymer "sweeper".

K R Prathyusha1

  • 1School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA. krprathyusha@gmail.com.

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|May 23, 2023
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A sideways propelling polymer collects passive particles, acting like a sweeper. Its speed decreases with particle load, eventually reaching a terminal velocity.

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Area of Science:

  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Active Matter Physics
  • Polymer Physics

Background:

  • Active polymers are systems where individual components generate motion.
  • Understanding particle-polymer interactions is crucial for designing micro-scale transport systems.
  • Brownian particles exhibit random motion due to thermal fluctuations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the particle-collecting behavior of a transversely propelling polymer.
  • To analyze the dynamics of polymer motion and particle capture.
  • To explore the factors influencing particle collection efficiency and polymer velocity.

Main Methods:

  • Langevin dynamics simulations were employed to model the system.
  • A 2D system of a self-propelling polymer and passive Brownian particles was simulated.
  • Key parameters varied included polymer length, propulsion strength, and particle number.

Main Results:

  • The propelling polymer effectively sweeps and collects passive particles, forming a shuttle-cargo system.
  • Particle collection increases over time, saturating at a maximum number.
  • Polymer velocity decreases with increasing particle load due to drag, reaching a terminal velocity.
  • Collected particles form a triangular, closed-packed structure.
  • Polymer stiffness and active forces influence morphology during transport.

Conclusions:

  • The transversely propelling polymer acts as an efficient particle collector.
  • Polymer velocity and maximum particle load are dependent on propulsion strength and particle density.
  • The observed particle arrangement mimics experimental findings.
  • This research offers insights for designing robophysical models for particle manipulation.