Weak ac field-induced patters in vertical deposition of colloids at various evaporation rates

Abstract

Pattern formation in colloids by weak ac fields in vertical deposition-like configuration at different temperatures has been studied experimentally. At low evaporation (room temperature), the effect of the field leads to the evolution of a one-dimensional array of clusters along the contact line and columnar colloidal dried deposits are obtained at higher evaporation. We investigate the flow dynamics involved in this pattern formation. Homogeneous variation of the contact angle by electrowetting effect becomes unstable and breaks the translational symmetry at the meniscus. Electrokinetic forces together with capillary forces result in the accumulation of particles for pattern formation. The movement of electrically charged colloidal particles is controlled by weak ac electric field even at higher temperatures. We observe the effect of increasing initial particle concentration on the behavior of the clusters for various field frequencies. The average distance between clusters increase monotonically with an increase in the initial particle concentration. We also observe that the average width of columns increases according to the applied field strength.