2026-04-17T03:18:13Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2445/1737122025-12-04T20:42:30Zcom_2072_1057col_2072_478822col_2072_478917

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Calero Borrallo, Carles author Pagonabarraga Mora, Ignacio author 2021-02-05T15:44:59Z 2021-02-05T15:44:59Z 2020-08-07 2021-02-05T15:44:59Z In this article, using numerical simulations we investigate the self-assembly of rod-like particles in suspension due to depletion forces which naturally emerge due to the presence of smaller spherical depletant particles. We characterize the type of clusters that are formed and the evolution of aggregation departing from a random initial configuration. We show that eventually the system reaches a thermodynamic equilibrium state in which the aggregates break and reform dynamically. We investigate the equilibrium state of aggregation, which exhibits a strong dependence on depletant concentration. In addition, we provide a simple thermodynamic model inspired on the theory of self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules which allows us to understand qualitatively the equilibrium aggregate size distributions that we obtain in simulation. Simulació per ordinador Termodinàmica Computer simulation Thermodynamics Self-assembly of microscopic rods due to depletion interaction