Work

Activity affects the stability, deformation and breakage dynamics of colloidal architectures

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: , 034902]. Here, we focus primarily on the breakage dynamics of three archetypal substructures, namely, dimers, chains, and rings. We find a rich response behavior to the introduction of self-propelled particles, in which the activity can enhance as well as reduce the stability of the architecture, deform the intact structures and alter the mechanisms of fragmentation. We rationalize these findings in terms of the rate and mechanisms of breakage as a function of the direction and magnitude of the active force by separating the bond breakage process into two stages: escaping the potential well and separation of the particles. The results set the stage for investigating more complex architectures.

Source: Soft Matter

DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01255g

Authors: H. J. Jonas, P. Schall, P. G. Bolhuis

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Institute of Physics, Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Awards: G3143432907, G6269646098