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Theoretical Physics Seminar

Theoretical Physics Seminar Stacjonarnie

Durotaxis; an example of spontaneous processes

28-02-2023 12:00 - 13:00
Venue
Instytut Fizyki PAN
Speaker
mgr Russell Kajouri
Affiliation
Instytut Fizyki PAN
Sala
Sala D

Using extensive molecular dynamics simulation of a coarse-grained model, we demonstrate the possibility of sustained unidirectional motion (durotaxis) of droplets without external energy supply when placed on a polymer brush substrate with a stiffness gradient in a certain direction. The governing key parameters for the specific substrate design studied, which determine the durotaxis efficiency, are found to be the grafting density of the brush and the droplet adhesion to the brush surface, whereas the strength of the stiffness gradient, the viscosity of the droplet, or the length of the polymer chains of the brush have only a minor effect on the process. It is shown that this durotaxis motion is driven by the steady increase of the interfacial energy between droplet and brush as the droplet moves from softer to stiffer parts of the substrate whereby the mean driving force gradually declines with decreasing roughness of the brush surface. We anticipate that our findings indicate further possibilities in the area of nanoscale motion without an external energy supply.

 
 

List of Dates (Page event details)

  • 28-02-2023 12:00 - 13:00
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