The influence of edge specific surface energy on the direction of hydrosilicate layers scrolling

The present study reports on energy modeling of morphological features of hydrosilicate nanoscrolls with chrysotile structure. It considers a possibility of scrolling direction change driven by difference in specific surface energies on the hydrosilicate layer edges. Specific surface energy estimation together with energy modeling of the scrolling process reveal several directions, which are preferable in comparison to the [010] or [100] directions of scrolling. The results obtained may help to better understand correlation between morphology, structural features, and mechanical behavior of hydrosilicate nanoscrolls.