Formation of monolayers of spherical particles in processes with reversible adsorption from mixtures of large and small particles was simulated in computer experiments. Computer program was based on an algorithm that took into account random sequential adsorption, desorption and lateral diffusion of adsorbed particles (RSA-DLD model). Computer experiments were performed for systems with rate constants of particle adsorption at least 10 3 times higher than rate constants of desorption. In processes with very fast adsorption and slow desorption, formation of monolayer can be divided into two stages. During the first stage, the total surface coverage (the coverage with particles of both types) increases very fast and becomes very close to that at equilibrium. During the second stage, the total coverage changes very slowly and the system approaches equilibrium mainly by the replacement of large particles with the small ones. A simple kinetic model for evolution of the monolayer composition during the second stage has been proposed. Kinetic equations related to this model allow the determination of large particles' desorption rate constants on the basis of changes in the surface concentrations of adsorbed large and small microspheres. The validity of the model has been tested comparing large particles' desorption rate constants values that had been used for simulations with values of the corresponding rate constants determined using analytical equations, with a view to analysing the simulation results.
Formation of stripelike assemblies of poly(styrene/alpha-tert-butoxy-omega-vinyl-benzyl-polyglycidol) microspheres adsorbed on nonpatterned mica plates moving perpendicularly from suspension of particles through the water-air interface has been observed. It was found that ordered assemblies were formed by capillary forces acting on particles crossing the water-air boundary. At sufficiently high rates of plate movement (i.e., at appropriate dynamic loading conditions) the adsorbed microspheres approaching the water surface begin sliding on the plate, due to capillary forces, in the direction opposite to the plate movement and are kept below the water surface. Plate movement brings new adsorbed particles to the water-air interface, where particles are assembled into aggregates. When particle aggregates are large, the capillary forces cannot overcome shearing forces and the particle assemblies are withdrawn on the plate above the water surface. This process repeated during continuous movement of the plate results in the formation of the quite regularly distributed stripes of adsorbed microspheres. Formation of the regularly distributed particle assemblies depends on concentration of microspheres in suspension.
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