
Desiccation Cracks in Colloidal Films: Role of External Fields
Date2nd Apr 2024
Time03:00 PM
Venue HSB-209
PAST EVENT
Details
Desiccation cracks, also known as drying-induced cracks, are structural irregularities that appear in particulate or polymer films when liquid evaporates during the drying process. These cracks emerge due to the interplay between compressive capillary pressure and resistance offered by the substrate against material shrinkage. They are a common occurrence in nature and can be observed in dried mud or paint on walls, among other examples. Studies have shown that the spatial arrangement of these cracks can be altered by applying external fields such as electric, magnetic, or thermal fields. This talk will delve into various intriguing crack morphologies, including well-separated periodic lines, concentric circular rings, and interconnected networks, induced either by applying external fields or by customizing the shape of colloids and nature of the substrate. Furthermore, the relationship between the microstructure of colloidal films and crack patterns, as well as the nucleation and growth kinetics of cracks under applied fields will be discussed in detail.
Speakers
Prof. Dillip K. Satapathy
Department of Physics