Document Type
Article
Version Deposited
Published Version
Publication Date
1-7-2021
Publication Title
Soft Matter
DOI
10.1039/d0sm02120b
Abstract
Droplets are spherical due to the principle of interfacial energy minimization. Here, we show that nonequilibrium droplet shapes can be stabilized via the interfacial self-assembly and crosslinking of nanoparticles. This principle allows for the stability of practically infinitely long liquid tubules and monodisperse cylindrical droplets. Droplets of oil-in-water are elongated via gravitational or hydrodynamic forces at a reduced interfacial tension. Silica nanoparticles self-assemble and cross-link on the interface triggered by the synergistic surface modification with hexyltrimethylammonium- and trivalent lanthanum-cations. The droplet length dependence is described by a scaling relationship and the rate of nanoparticle deposition on the droplets is estimated. Our approach potentially enables the 3D-printing of Newtonian Fluids, broadening the array of material options for additive manufacturing techniques.
Recommended Citation
Mohd A. Kahn & Martin F. Haase. Stabilizing liquid drops in nonequilibrium shapes by the interfacial crosslinking of nanoparticles. Soft Matter, 2021,17, 2034-2041
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
This article is Open Access using a CC-BY license.