SGER: Colloid Aggregation Self-Organization and Dynamics at the Air/Water Interface

摘要CTS-9806321 Estella Blaisten-Barojas，乔治梅森大学 有人观察到，在空气-水界面处吸收的无机沉淀物（Dogtooth Spar）分叉成两个聚集结构。 一种结构发展成先前在文献中确定的二维分形凝胶，另一种结构自组织成由P.I.首次观察到的晶体的二维胶体周期结构（晶格）。 新晶体具有扭曲的四面体形状，不聚集，并且可以自发地排列成周期性结构。 该项目的主要重点是澄清自组织发生的条件，表征在空气-水界面形成的晶体，并了解微晶在空气-水界面各自的分形生长中的作用。 私家侦探提出了一个初始模型，包括排斥静电力和吸引毛细力。 如果这个模型是正确的，那么观察到的自组织可以在其他系统中实现。 视频显微镜和晶体相互作用模型将用于调查。 如果成功，该项目将阐明与胶体科学和材料合成相关的自组织机制。 ***

Abstract CTS-9806321 Estella Blaisten-Barojas, George Mason University It was observed that an inorganic precipitate (Dogtooth Spar) absorbed at the air-water interface bifurcates into two aggregation structures. One structure develops into a two-dimensional fractal gel previously identified in literature, and another self-organizes into a two-dimensional colloidal periodic structure (lattice) of crystals that was observed for the first time by the P.I. The new crystals have a distorted tetrahedral shape, do not aggregate, and spontaneously may arrange into the periodic structure. The main focus of the project is the clarification of the conditions under which self-organization occurs, characterize the crystals formed at the air-water interface, and understanding the role of crystallites in the respective fractal growth at the air-water interface. The P.I. proposed an initial model that includes the repulsive electrostatic forces and attractive capillary forces. If this model is true, then the observed self-organization could be achieved in other systems. Video microscopy and crystal interaction models will be used in the investigation. If successful, the project will clarify a self-organizing mechanism with relevance to colloidal science and materials synthesis. ***