Terraced spreading mechanisms for chain molecules

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Abstract
The behavior of monomolecular layers of fluid spreading on a solid substrate is examined using molecular dynamics simulations of polymerlike liquids. We consider drops of chain molecules of lengths 8 and 16, composed of Lennard-Jones atoms bound by confining potentials, spreading on an atomic solid substrate. Different strengths of the solid-fluid interaction are studied, in cases where a spreading drop forms distinct layers. We emphasize the conformational properties of the molecules while spreading and the dynamics of the individual layers. In particular, the questions of interlayer mass transfer and permeability are examined in the light of theoretical models. © 1996 The American Physical Society.