Dynamics Simulation of Langmuir-Blodgett Films

Abstract

Abstract Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers are formed when amphiphilic molecules dissolved in volatile solvent are deposited on water surface followed by compression. During the compression, the randomly oriented molecules reorient themselves with the hydrophilic head groups on the water surface and the hydrophobic tail standing away from the water surface. The monolayer can then be transferred onto a solid substrate. LB-film multilayer can be made when monolayers are repeat transferred onto the same solid substrate. By altering the amphiphilic molecule's chemical structure and the number and type of monolayers in an LB-film multilayer, we can tailor the thickness, physical and chemical properties of the films. It is also possible to initialize polymerization on certain function group in a monolayer to enhance the mechanical properties or create other unique electro-optical properties. These organic ultra-thin films with highly ordered layer structure, have shown a wide range of potential applications in biochemistry, microelectronics, integrated optics, microlithography, and many other fields.1