Dynamics and assembly of colloidal particles

In this dissertation, I present research into the dynamics and assembly of colloidal particles. This involves investigations into single particle dynamics, collective dynamics of assembled clusters, and thermodynamic studies of colloidal superstructure formation. To do this, I have utilized a combination of many simulation and theoretical techniques. Chapter 2 presents a study I have done of the methods in which to implement hydrodynamics into a mesoscopic coarse-grained solvent model (Multiparticle Collision Dynamics). This is done in order that colloidal particles may be studied with hydrodynamics (as is presented in Chapters 4 and 8) in the proper limits. Chapter 3 presents some general considerations for the study of kinetically arrested colloidal gels, which are studied in more detail in Chapters 4 and 5 through molecular dynamics simulations. Chapter 4 considers the structures formed by colloidal particles interacting attractively interact in solvent, while Chapter 5 examines sediment structures formed by attractive particles and their clusters. In Chapter 6, I examine how the presence of patches on the surface of colloidal particles can influence their assembly into superstructures, and the interesting dynamics that can develop in dense systems of such particles, as well as the thermodynamics of specific structure assembly. Further, in Chapter 7, I explain how prototypical two-faced Janus colloids form into elongated helical structures (which are not global free-energy minima) through kinetic pathway selection. Finally, in Chapter 8, I examine how hydrodynamics influences the dynamics of a Janus particle having stick–slip boundary conditions, and examine how this might influence the conformations of clusters, presenting a way to utilize hydrodynamic flows in order to control particle orientations in suspension processing and the manufacture of composite materials.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Whitmer, Jonathan K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Luijten, Erik
• Granick, Steve
• Dahmen, Karin A.
• Hubler, Alfred W.

• Molecular Dynamics
• Monte Carlo
• Janus Particles
• Multiparticle Collision Dynamics (MPC)
• Stochastic Rotation Dynamics (SRD)
• hydrodynamics
• clusters
• depletion potential
• Gels
• directed assembly
• self-assembly
• flow control

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Jonathan Kent Whitmer. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/29467

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/29467