3: Forces Between Particles and Surfaces Check Access

Chapter 3 debunks the misconception that van der Waals forces are solely applicable to atoms and molecules. It explains how these forces also come into play in larger structures, such as nanoparticles and vast surfaces. The chapter guides the readers through calculating these forces, understanding their relative strengths, and their impact on stable nanoparticle systems. It further explores van der Waals forces between particles and surfaces, electric double layer forces, DLVO forces, and non-DLVO forces. The latter category includes polymer-mediated steric forces and depletion forces, highlighting the broad applicability of these forces in various domains of nanoengineering.