A model of gravity-induced distribution of material in plasma polymerized aerosols and films

• Published in: The European physical journal. E, Soft matter and biological physics Soft matter and biological physics, 2008, Vol.25 (1), p.51-59
• Main Author: Zyn, V. I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosols - chemistry; Algorithms; Biological and Medical Physics; Biophysics; Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Complex Systems; Diffusion; Gravitation; Models, Theoretical; Nanotechnology; Particle Size; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Polymer Sciences; Polymers - chemistry; Regular Article; Soft and Granular Matter; Surface-Active Agents - chemistry; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1292-8941; 1292-895X
• DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2007-10263-7

. A mathematical model of the volumetric part of plasma polymerization influenced by gravity is presented. Plasma-activated adhesion of monomer molecules to a surface of a germinal particle is assumed as a basic mechanism of particulate growth. The continuity equation for the flow of matter through the discharge has been formulated and solved in two extreme asymptotic approximations --for small and major duration of the process. Several non-equilibrium distribution functions of the polymer were obtained, for instance, an amount of the particles as a function of their size or time of fall. Within the adopted model this function demonstrates a sharp downward increase inside a discharge. In addition it contains such parameters as the free fall acceleration or reaction rate coefficients, variations of which enable control of the discharge and properties of the disperse medium.