Soft Condensed Matter, Biological Physics Experiment & Statistical Physics Seminars
Explanatory note
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the soft condensed matter and statistical mechanics groups, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Week beginning 13 May 2012
Monday 14 May 12 - 1:00pm
Wetting of Simple Liquids and Cohesive Cells on Soft Surfaces
Eric Dufresne (University of Yale)
How does a drop of water rest on a solid surface? The textbook answer to this simple question has unphysical implications. It suggests that a meager drop of water applies a divergent stress to its substrate at the contact line where solid, liquid and vapor meet. We measure the deformation of a soft elastic solid near a contact line and find that the solid sidesteps this singularity by mimicking a liquid. If time permits, I will discuss striking similarities between the wetting of simple liquids and the spreading of cohesive cells.
Thursday 17 May 12 - 1:00pm - Room 2511
Spontaneous emulsification by ionic surfactants and responsive nanoparticles, and theoretical models of inhomogeneous, correlated Coulomb fluids.
Jos Zwanikken (Northwestern University)
We identify a new mechanism for the spontaneous formation of an oil-in-water emulsion [1]. Our classical density functional, which describes electrostatics, ionic surface reactions, and nanoparticle adsorption, predicts kinetically and even thermodynamically stable emulsion droplets with a tunable mesoscopic size. Our results closely match recent experiments [2][3], and may open new pathways for the reversible dispersion of particle-coated droplets that are desired in the fields of catalysis, controlled drug delivery and particle synthesis. The last part of the presentation will highlight the structural and thermodynamic properties of electrolytes of the primitive model, at low temperatures, and near (dielectric) boundaries, as predicted by both classical and recently developed theories [4]. [1] JZ, K. Ioannidou, D. Kraft, and R. van Roij, Soft Matter 7, 11093 (2011). [2] S. Sacanna et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., (2007), 98, 158301. [3] D. Kraft et al., J. Phys. Chem. B, (2010), 114, 10347. [4] JZ, P. K. Jha, and M. Olvera de la Cruz, J. Chem. Phys. 135, 064106 (2011).
Upcoming meetings
Explore the Lunchtime Seminars archive
Note for speakers
- We try to encourage an informal atmosphere.
- To encourage discussion, talks are limited to 30/40 mins plus up to 20/10 mins for questions.
- Almost any style of talk is allowed and resident speakers are encouraged to give a variety of different types of talk during their stay at Edinburgh. Examples include talks about the speaker's research, a particular paper or publication (`Journal Club' talks), pedagogical talks, question-and-answer sessions, etc.
- Speakers are encouraged to pitch their seminars to the whole group.
- I would be grateful if the next speaker on the list could inform me of the title and short abstract (it should fit onto the usual advertising poster) of his/her talk by Wednesday of the week before, to allow me to do the advertising.
- Anyone unable to give their talk on the scheduled date should in the first instance try to rearrange with someone else on the list, and only then inform me of the final outcome so that I can change the rota.
- Talks of soft condensed matter students can only be cancelled with permission from Prof. Cates, and should be done as far in advance as possible to give some chance of finding a replacement.
- If anyone would like to volunteer a seminar themselves, knows of a visitor or new arrival who might be willing to give a talk, or for any other queries, please contact the seminar organiser (see below for email address).
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