| Recent advances have elucidated the behavior of colloids and polymer systems in the archety pal three dimensions. However, these systems are ill-understood when confined to two dimensions. Using experimental techniques such as Langmuir-Blodgett and ellipsometry, we attempt to explain the behavior of two dimensional colloid/polymer systems via micron-scale imaging as well as measuring their surface-pressure versus area isotherms. Possible phase transition behaviors and mechanisms are uncovered and discussed. We explore the importance of proper colloidal stabilizing ligands in terms of hydrophobic forces and their impact on ellipsometry as well as Langmuir-Blodgett experiments. Lastly, we give insight for future work that still remains to be done in this area. |
