Self-assembly of polydisperse systems near the critical point

Abstract

The development of methods for real-time control of soft matter sctuctures using external fields is a current challenge in modern soft matter physics. While the controlled self-assembly of two-dimensional monodisperse particles is well understood, the behavior of polydisperse systems, which are of particular interest for biomedical applications, remain poorly explored. This report investigates the self-assembly of two-dimensional polydisperse systems under the influence of external electric fields near the critical point by computer simulation using molecular dynamics. The interactions between particles were simulated with using Weecks-Chandler-Andersen (WCA) potential and dipole-dipole interaction which described as IPL3-type attraction. By systematically varying the particle size distribution, concentration, and the strength of the external field, the behavior of the system near the critical point was analyzed. Special emphasis was placed on the organization of clusters and the spatial distribution of particles of different diameters within these clusters. It was established that the magnitude of external field affect the average particle size within clusters. The phase states were determined by partitioning the system into Voronoi cells, enabling precise identification of local density variations. Additionally, the liquid–gas binodal was constructed to explore phase behavior near the critical point. The results of such studies have great potential for tissue engineering and soft matter science.

Speaker

Raniya R. Nafikova
Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
Russia

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