Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions

Details Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions

2008-10-02

arxiv.org/abs/0810.0379v1

Phys. Rev. E 78, 041402 (2008)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

8 pages, 8 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.78.041402

We systematically study the relationship between equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagrams of a system of short-ranged attractive colloids. Using Monte Carlo and Brownian dynamics simulations we find a window of enhanced crystallization that is limited at high interaction strength by a slowing down of the dynamics and at low interaction strength by the high nucleation barrier. We find that the crystallization is enhanced by the metastable gas-liquid binodal by means of a two-stage crystallization process. First, the formation of a dense liquid is observed and second the crystal nucleates within the dense fluid. In addition, we find at low colloid packing fractions a fluid of clusters, and at higher colloid packing fractions a percolating network due to an arrested gas-liquid phase separation that we identify with gelation. We find that this arrest is due to crystallization at low interaction energy and it is caused by a slowing down of the dynamics at high interaction strength. Likewise, we observe that the clusters which are formed at low colloid packing fractions are crystalline at low interaction energy, but glassy at high interaction energy. The clusters coalesce upon encounter.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Crystallization and gelation in colloidal systems with short-ranged attractive interactions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-492226