Clusters Formed by Dumbbell-like One-Patch Particles Confined in Thin Systems

Performing isothermal-isochoric Monte Carlo simulations, I examine the types of clusters that dumbbell-like one–patch particles form in thin space between two parallel walls, assuming that each particle is synthesized through the merging of two particles, one non-attracting and the other attracting for which, for example, the inter-particle interaction is approximated by the DLVO model. The shape of these dumbbell-like particles is controlled by the ratio of the diameters q of the two spherical particles and by the dimensionless distance l between them. Using a modified Kern–Frenkel potential, I examine the dependence of the cluster shape on l and q . Large island-like clusters are created when q < 1. With increasing q , the clusters become chain-like. When q increases further, elongated clusters and regular polygonal clusters are created. In hte simulations, the cluster shape becomes three-dimensional with increasing l because the thickness of the thin system increases proportionally to l .