Influence of electrostatic and chemical heterogeneity on the electric-field-induced destabilization of thin liquid films

© 2011 American Chemical Society

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids. - 1992. - 27(2011), 20 vom: 18. Okt., Seite 12472-85
1. Verfasser: Atta, Arnab (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Crawford, David G, Koch, Charles R, Bhattacharjee, Subir
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2011
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Schlagworte:Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Emulsions
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:© 2011 American Chemical Society
A numerical model for thin liquid film (<100 nm) drainage in the presence of an external electric field is developed. Long-wave theory is applied to approximate and simplify the governing equations. A spatiotemporal film morphology evolution equation thus obtained is then solved using a combination of finite difference to resolve the spatial dimensions and an adaptive time step ODE solver for the temporal propagation. The effect of fluid properties, namely, viscosity and surface tension, on the film drainage time is observed for a homogeneous electric field, which leads to random dewetting spots. Electrically heterogeneous fields, achieved by modeling electrodes with various periodic patterns, are explored to identify their effect on the drainage time and behavior. Finally, the chemical heterogeneity of the substrate is coupled with the periodic electric heterogeneity to understand the implications of combined heterogeneity. It is observed that the introduction of any heterogeneity results in faster drainage of the film when compared to that of the homogeneous field. In all cases, the thin film is drained, leaving submicrometer-scale structures at the interface. Well-controlled surface patterns are found on the application of periodic heterogeneity. This study effectively demonstrates the immense potential of electrically induced thin film drainage as a means for faster de-emulsification and for the creation of ordered submicrometer-scale surface patterns on soft materials
Beschreibung:Date Completed 14.02.2012
Date Revised 11.10.2011
published: Print-Electronic
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:1520-5827
DOI:10.1021/la202759j