Fluid Flow Induced by Asymmetrically Driven Polymer Brushes in Nanoscale Channels

Abstract

A Nano ElectroMechanical System (NEMS) is theoretically introduced, through a Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulation model, as a new and novel approach to the issue of nano-pumps. The design features a nanoscale planar slit pore filled with solvent and a grafted polymer brush on the inner face of the lower plane (substrate). The polymer brush is susceptible to the influence of an external driving field, with an intensity modulated by a three phase square wave. The brush couples to the external field directly through fundamental forces, while a secondary coupling transfers momentum to the solvent through hydrodynamic interactions. The result is net solvent velocity along a preferred direction, over many oscillation cycles, while the grafted brush remains anchored in place. This study explores the net solvent response as a function of grafting density, field intensity, fluid viscosity and polymer chain length. Simulation data is presented which suggests that solvent flow is maximized for moderate grafting densities due to an optimal saturation of solvent particles within the polymer brush, near their interface, in conjunction with adequate surface area provided by the collection of polymer segments near the brush boundary. This exchange is necessary to ensure proper hydrodynamic coupling

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