1999 Building Publications - Theoretical Predictions for the Mechanical Response of a Model Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Two Viscoelastic Media: A Thin Sample layer and Surrounding Bath Medium.

Theoretical Predictions for the Mechanical Response of a Model Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Two Viscoelastic Media: A Thin Sample layer and Surrounding Bath Medium.

Theoretical Predictions for the Mechanical Response of a Model Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Two Viscoelastic Media: A Thin Sample layer and Surrounding Bath Medium. (308 K)
White, C. C.; Schrag, J. L.

Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 3, No. 24, 11192-11206, December 22, 1999.

Keywords:

quartz crystal microbalance; viscoelastic media; bath medium; velocity; equations

Abstract:

Theoretical predictions are presented for the operating characteristics of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system consisting of the crystal, an attached viscoelastic sample layer, and a surrounding viscoelastic bath medium. Predictions are given for the spatial variation of ''particle'' velocity and velocity gradient throughout the sample layer, for the characteristic mechanical impedance acting on the crystal surface due to the viscoelastic sample layer plus surrounding bath medium, and for the resultant changes in the resonance frequency of the QCM. Errors introduced by employing the usual simple Sauerbrey-type sample-layer-mass relationship, together with a constant frequency offset to approximate the effect of the viscoelastic bath medium, are explored. In general, the viscoelastic properties of both the sample and bath media can substantially affect the apparent thickness (mass) of the sample layer if it is obtained by employing the typical Sauerbrey-type approximation noted above.

Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899