Dynamics of polymer bridge formation and disruption.
In this Rapid communication, we show, with colloidal probe atomic force microscopy(AFM) measurements, that the formation and subsequent disruption of polymer bridges between two solid surfaces is characterized by slow relaxation times. This is due to the retardation of polymer dynamics near a surface. For colloidal particles that are in constant (Brownian) motion kinetic aspects are key. To understand these effects, we develop a model of polymer bridging and bridge disruption that agrees quantitatively with our experiments.
Sprakel
Joris
J
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 6, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Joris.Sprakel@wur.nl
Bartscherer
Erik
E
Hoffmann
Gerd
G
Cohen Stuart
Martien A
MA
van der Gucht
Jasper
J