Abstract

We apply a general density functional theory for calculating solvation force between two walls immersed in a fluid of particles. Solvation force is obtained for the hard-sphere Yukawa fluid confined between hard and attractive walls. To determine the density profile, we use the density functional theory proposed by Yi and Kim. This theory is based on the density functional approximation, which in turn is based on both the weighted-density approximation of Tarazona and the density functional approximation of Rickayzen and Augousti (1984). The calculated density profile is used to obtain the solvation force exerted by the fluid on the walls. We show the effect of varying wall and particle interactions on the solvation force. As the result indicates, the solvation force depends on temperature, separation of the walls and on the wall potential.

Key words: Density functional theory, solvation force, Yukawa potential, colloidal systems.