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Self-propulsion of a calcium alginate surfer
Réka Zahorán1, Pawan Kumar1, Dezső Horváth2
1Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Béla tér 1., Szeged, H-6720, Hungary. atoth@chem.u-szeged.hu.
Abstract:
A droplet of sodium alginate dripped into calcium chloride solution results in plate or boat shaped hydrogels. Both exhibit several minute-long self-propelled motion on the liquid surface without any extra fuel added, offering a new method to making active materials. By changing the initial concentrations, we are able to tune the transient dynamic activities from translational to rotational or stop-and-run motion. Dynamics are governed by osmotic pressure induced Marangoni effect, depending on the density difference and initial concentrations.
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