Entropy contribution to the line tension: Insights from polymer physics,water string theory, and the three-phase tension

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The notion of three-phase (line) tension remains one of the most disputable notions in surface science. A very broad range of its values has been reported. Experts even do not agree on the sign of line tension. The polymer-chain-like model of three-phase (triple) line enables rough estimation of entropic input into the value of line tension, estimated as Γen ≅ kBT/dm ≅ 10-11N, where dm is the diameter of the liquid molecule. The introduction of the polymer-chain-like model of the triple line is justified by the "water string" model of the liquid state, predicting strong orientation effects for liquid molecules located near hydrophobic moieties. The estimated value of the entropic input into the line tension is close to experimental findings, reported by various groups, and seems to be relevant for the understanding of elastic properties of biological membranes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number712
JournalEntropy
Volume20
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 Sep 2018

Keywords

  • Entropic contribution
  • Entropic force
  • Hydrophobic substrate
  • Line tension
  • Orientation effect

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Entropy contribution to the line tension: Insights from polymer physics,water string theory, and the three-phase tension'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this