Self-assembly
Origin: Gr. αὐτο-, fr. assemblée
Self-assembly is the fundamental principle which generates structural organization on all scales from molecules to galaxies. It is defined as reversible processes in which pre-existing parts or disordered components of a preexisting system form the structures of patterns. Self-assembly can be classified as either static or dynamic. Static self-assembly is when the ordered state occurs when the system is in equilibrium and does not dissipate energy. Dynamic self-assembly is when the ordered state requires dissipation of energy.
Spanish: Autoensamblaje
Sources and references
- Whitesides, G.M.; Boncheva, M. "Beyond molecules: Self-assembly of mesoscopic and macroscopic components"view
- Whitesides, George M.; Kriebel, Jennah K.; Love, J. Christopher "Molecular engineering of surfaces using self-assembled monolayers"view
- Lehn, Jm "Toward self-organization and complex matter."view
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