New study reveals how intermolecular forces inform the design of smart materialsA recent study by re
New study reveals how intermolecular forces inform the design of smart materialsA recent study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences redefines how liquids maintain their contact with solid surfaces—also known as wettability—from an intermolecular force perspective.The findings were published in Nano Research on Feb 8.Wettability is relevant to the design of materials because it determines how layers stick together. Says study author and professor Ye Tian from the Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, it “plays a crucial role in many fields, such as the efficiency of catalytic reaction, separation, electrode materials, and the design of bionic smart materials.” For example, smart layers that change their contact depending on moisture could be used in sportswear that adapts to humidity.Wettability modelsHigh wettability means that a liquid drop spreads, creating a low angle of contact with the surface, whereas low wettability describes a liquid that resists spreading. Classically, wettability, as indicated by contact angle, is characterized using Young’s equation, which models an ideal, perfectly smooth surface. If the water droplet spreads out to a contact angle lower than 90 degrees, the surface is categorized as hydrophilic or water-loving. If the water droplet makes a contact angle higher than 90 degrees, the surface is categorized as hydrophobic.Read more. -- source link
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