Study of reconfiguration of hairs on mixed charge latex surfaces upon their approach to similarly charged host surfaces: Interaction force study using atomic force microscopy

Reconformation/reorientation of tethers on particles to minimize the energy of interaction, proposed as the mechanism for their deposition on similarl y charged surfaces, has been confirmed using direct force measurements usin g atomic force microscopy. The force experienced by latex particles of net negative charge on negative glass surfaces, in the presence of the apparent energy barrier based on their zeta potential, is measured to monitor possi ble rearrangement of surface hairs to enable deposition of zwitterionic lat exes while preventing that of the anionic ones.