Line tension at curved edge of a molecular solid

•Local cohesive force is calculated in a nano-slit between coaxial cylinders with dispersion forces.•Distribution of local thermodynamic surface tension on the slit wall is obtained.•Line tension at the slit rim is estimated as a function of the cylinder radius.

This is the first direct calculation of line tension at a curved edge of a solid. As an example, we consider an empty slit between two unconstrained coaxial cylinders with dispersion forces at nanoscale. The computational scheme includes the calculation of (a) the local stress tensor field inside the slit, (b) local thermodynamic surface tension as a function of the location on the slit walls, and (c) line tension at the circular rim as a function of the cylinder radius. The calculations have been made on the basis of the Irving–Kirkwood stress tensor of statistical mechanics.

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