Issue 16, 2014

Shape selection in chiral ribbons: from seed pods to supramolecular assemblies

Abstract

We provide a geometric-mechanical model for calculating equilibrium configurations of chemical systems that self-assemble into chiral ribbon structures. The model is based on incompatible elasticity and uses dimensionless parameters to determine the equilibrium configurations. As such, it provides universal curves for the shape and energy of self-assembled ribbons. We provide quantitative predictions for the twisted-to-helical transition, which was observed experimentally in many systems, and demonstrate it with synthetic ribbons made of responsive gels. In addition, we predict the bi-stability of wide ribbons and also show how geometrical frustration can cause arrest of ribbon widening. Finally, we show that the model's predictions provide explanations for experimental observations in different chemical systems.

Graphical abstract: Shape selection in chiral ribbons: from seed pods to supramolecular assemblies

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 Sep 2013
Accepted
04 Dec 2013
First published
21 Jan 2014

Soft Matter, 2014,10, 2733-2740

Shape selection in chiral ribbons: from seed pods to supramolecular assemblies

S. Armon, H. Aharoni, M. Moshe and E. Sharon, Soft Matter, 2014, 10, 2733 DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52313F

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