ParticleSurface

ParticleSurface, sometimes written as particlesurface, is a multidisciplinary concept describing the interactions between discrete particles and a solid boundary. It encompasses physical, chemical, and mechanical processes that occur when particles are in contact with, adjacent to, or deposited on a surface. The study combines elements of physics (kinetics, energy transfer), chemistry (adsorption, surface reactions), and materials science (surface roughness, adhesion).

Key phenomena include adhesion and cohesion, wetting behavior, van der Waals and electrostatic forces, chemical bonding, diffusion along surfaces, adsorption and desorption, scattering and energy transfer during collision with surfaces, and the role of surface structure at micro- and nano-scales.

Experimental methods used to study particle-surface interactions include atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface force apparatus, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring; computational approaches commonly employ molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo, and continuum tribology models to simulate contact and transport at interfaces.

Applications of particle-surface research span catalyst-support systems, nanoparticle self-assembly on substrates, thin-film deposition, sensor interfaces, lubrication and wear reduction, coatings, and semiconductor processing. The field informs the design of interfaces with tailored adhesion, diffusion, or reactivity to achieve desired material performance.

Origin and usage: the concept draws from surface science and colloid science and is used in academic and engineering contexts to describe processes governed by the interface between particles and surfaces. Related topics include surface science, adsorption, catalysis, tribology, and nanotechnology.