Diffuse-interface field approach to modeling arbitrarily-shaped particles at fluid–fluid interfaces

We present a novel mesoscale simulation approach to modeling the evolution of solid particles segregated at fluid–fluid interfaces. The approach involves a diffuse-interface field description of each fluid phase in addition to the set of solid particles. The unique strength of the model is its generality to include particles of arbitrary shapes and orientations, as well as the ability to incorporate electrostatic particle interactions and external forces via a previous work [P.C. Millett, Y.U. Wang, Acta Mater. 57 (2009) 3101]. In this work, we verify that the model produces the correct capillary forces and contact angles by comparing with a well-defined analytical solution. In addition, simulation results of rotations of various-shaped particles at fluid–fluid interfaces, external force-induced capillary attraction/repulsion between particles, and spinodal decomposition arrest due to colloidal particle jamming at the interfaces are presented.

Graphical abstractMeso-scale model of various-shaped particles at fluid–fluid interfaces captures the contact angle and capillary forces using diffuse-interface fields.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (43 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Meso-scale model development of colloidal particle interaction with fluid–fluid interface. ► Simulation of colloidal jamming stabilization of binary fluid separation. ► Non-spherical particle evolution at fluid–fluid interfaces.