Thermodynamics of nano-cluster phases: a unifying theory
arXiv:0804.0727 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.77.051403
Abstract
We propose a unifying, analytical theory accounting for the self-organization of colloidal systems in nano- or micro-cluster phases. We predict the distribution of cluter sizes with respect to interaction parameters and colloid concentration. In particular, we anticipate a proportionality regime where the mean cluster size grows proportionally to the concentration, as observed in several experiments. We emphasize the interest of a predictive theory in soft matter, nano-technologies and biophysics.
4 pages, 1 figure