A density functional theory for colloids with two multiple bonding associating sites

Wertheim's multi-density formalism is extended for patchy colloidal fluids with two multiple bonding patches. The theory is developed as a density functional theory to predict the properties of an associating inhomogeneous fluid. The equation of state developed for this fluid depends on the size of the patch, and includes formation of cyclic, branched and linear clusters of associated species. The theory predicts the density profile and the fractions of colloids in different bonding states versus the distance from one wall as a function of bulk density and temperature. The predictions from our theory are compared with previous results for a confined fluid with four single bonding association sites. Also, comparison between the present theory and Monte Carlo simulation indicates a good agreement.

Competition between Intra- and Intermolecular Association of Chain Molecules with Water-like Solvent

Fluid properties and phase behavior of systems such as glycol ethers, carboxylic acids, and proteins are affected by the competition between intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Here we study this competition by extending Wertheim's first-order thermodynamic perturbation theory to include intramolecular hydrogen bonding in chain molecules in the presence of an explicit water-like solvent. The theory derived here is found to be in good agreement with molecular simulation. It is shown that intramolecular association is most important for shorter chains at low temperature, low density, and high chain concentration. The theory is also extended into a density functional theory formalism to study the effect of intramolecular association on the structuring of the different segments of the molecules close to a hydrophobic surface. Intramolecular association is found to be enhanced close to the surface, with the total density of the system having the most effect on structuring close to the surface.

Thermodynamic perturbation theory for self-assembling mixtures of divalent single patch colloids

In this work we extend Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) to binary mixtures (species A and species B) of patchy colloids were each species has a single patch which can bond a maximum of twice (divalent). Colloids are treated as hard spheres with a directional conical association site. We restrict the system such that only patches between unlike species share attractions; meaning there are AB attractions but no AA or BB attractions. The theory is derived in Wertheim's two density formalism for one site associating fluids. Since the patches are doubly bondable, associated chains, of all chain lengths, as well as 4-mer rings consisting of two species A and two species B colloids are accounted for. With the restriction of only AB attractions, triatomic rings of doubly bonded colloids, which dominate in the corresponding pure component case, cannot form. The theory is shown to be in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulation data for the structure and thermodynamics of these patchy colloid mixtures as a function of temperature, density, patch size and composition. It is shown that 4-mer rings dominate at low temperature, inhibiting the polymerization of the mixture into long chains. Mixtures of this type have been recently synthesized by researchers. This work provides the first theory capable of accurately modeling these mixtures.

Shape-responsive liquid crystal elastomer bilayers

Monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape-responsive materials, but shape changes are typically limited to simple uniaxial extensions or contractions. Here, we demonstrate that complex surface patterns and shape changes, including patterned wrinkles, helical twisting, and reversible folding, can be achieved in LCE-polystyrene (PS) bilayers. LCE-PS bilayer shape changes are achieved in response to simple temperature changes and can be controlled through various material parameters including overall aspect ratio and LCE and polystyrene film thicknesses. Deposition of a patterned PS film on top of an LCE enables the preparation of an elastomer that reversibly twists and a folding leaf-like elastomer, which opens and closes in response to temperature changes. The phenomena are captured through finite element simulations, in quantitative agreement with experiments.

Classical density functional theory for associating fluids in orienting external fields

We develop a classical density functional theory (DFT) for two-site associating fluids in spatially homogeneous external fields which exhibit orientational inhomogeneities. The Helmholtz free-energy functional is obtained using Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory and the orientational distribution function is obtained using DFT in the canonical ensemble. It is shown that an orientating field significantly enhances association by ordering the molecules, thereby reducing the entropic penalty of association. It is also shown that association enhances the orientational order for fixed field strength.

Dynamic self-stiffening in liquid crystal elastomers

Biological tissues have the remarkable ability to remodel and repair in response to disease, injury, and mechanical stresses. Synthetic materials lack the complexity of biological tissues, and man-made materials which respond to external stresses through a permanent increase in stiffness are uncommon. Here, we report that polydomain nematic liquid crystal elastomers increase in stiffness by up to 90% when subjected to a low-amplitude (5%), repetitive (dynamic) compression. Elastomer stiffening is influenced by liquid crystal content, the presence of a nematic liquid crystal phase and the use of a dynamic as opposed to static deformation. Through rheological and X-ray diffraction measurements, stiffening can be attributed to a nematic director which rotates in response to dynamic compression. Stiffening under dynamic compression has not been previously observed in liquid crystal elastomers and may be useful for the development of self-healing materials or for the development of biocompatible, adaptive materials for tissue replacement.