Abstract
Block copolymer-stabilized nanoparticles placed in the presence of a curved oil-water interface are described using Brownian Dynamics simulations. These simulations are targeted towards an exploration of the effect of geometry of the oil-water interface on the adsorption of the stabilized nanoparticle, and this goal is achieved by the systematic variation of the interfacial curvature, while exploring different block copolymer compositions. The contact angle, the order parameter and polymer density across the interface are used to assess the effect of a given block copolymer composition on the adsorption at the liquid-liquid interface. We find that the contact angle for a block-copolymer stabilized nanoparticle is affected by the curvature of the oil-water interface. This is a departure from earlier results of Komura et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 2006, 124, 241104], where the contact angle of a solid particle at a curved interface obeys the Young's formula for contact angle, in which case it is independent of the interfacial curvature. A part of the change of contact angle results from the increase of the radius of gyration of the nanoparticle due to the presence of the block copolymer. Furthermore, an investigation of the structure of the block copolymer and its distribution across the interface reveals changes as the curvature of the interface is changed, and those changes are reflected in different contact angle values.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
