Clusters formed by dumbbell-like one-patch particles confined in thin systems

Abstract

Abstract Performing isothermal-isochoric Monte Carlo simulations, I examine the types of clusters that dumbbell-like one–patch particles form in thin space between two parallel walls, assuming that each particle is synthesized through the merging of two particles, one non-attracting and the other attracting for which, for example, the inter-particle interaction is approximated by the DLVO model . The shape of these dumbbell-like particles is controlled by the ratio of the diameters q of the two spherical particles and by the dimensionless distance l between these centers. Using a modified Kern–Frenkel potential, I examine the dependence of the cluster shape on l and q. Large island-like clusters are created when $$q<1$$ q < 1 . With increasing q, the clusters become chain-like . When q increases further, elongated clusters and regular polygonal clusters are created. In the simulations, the cluster shape becomes three-dimensional with increasing l because the thickness of the thin system increases proportionally to l.