Eur. Phys. J. E (2008) 25: 51-59
https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2007-10263-7

Regular Article

A model of gravity-induced distribution of material in plasma polymerized aerosols and films

Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Construction, 194 Molodogvardeyskaya St., 443001, Samara, Russia

^* e-mail: zyn37@mail.ru,

Received: 19 February 2007
Accepted: 3 January 2008
Published online: 20 February 2008

Abstract

A mathematical model of the volumetric part of plasma polymerization influenced by gravity is presented. Plasma-activated adhesion of monomer molecules to a surface of a germinal particle is assumed as a basic mechanism of particulate growth. The continuity equation for the flow of matter through the discharge has been formulated and solved in two extreme asymptotic approximations --for small and major duration of the process. Several non-equilibrium distribution functions of the polymer were obtained, for instance, an amount of the particles as a function of their size or time of fall. Within the adopted model this function demonstrates a sharp downward increase inside a discharge. In addition it contains such parameters as the free fall acceleration or reaction rate coefficients, variations of which enable control of the discharge and properties of the disperse medium.