Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering

Details Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering

2010-11-07

arxiv.org/abs/1011.1680v2

Phys. Rev. E 83 021402 (2011)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

32 pages, 7 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.83.021402

During directional solidification of the solvent in a colloidal suspension, the colloidal particles segregate from the growing solid, forming high-particle-density regions with structure on a hierarchy of length scales ranging from that of the particle-scale packing to the large-scale spacing between these regions. Previous work has concentrated mostly on the medium- to large-length scale structure, as it is the most accessible and thought to be more technologically relevant. However, the packing of the colloids at the particle-scale is an important component not only in theoretical descriptions of the segregation process, but also to the utility of freeze-cast materials for new applications. Here we present the results of experiments in which we investigated this structure across a wide range of length scales using a combination of small angle x-ray scattering and direct optical imaging. As expected, during freezing the particles were concentrated into regions between ice dendrites forming a microscopic pattern of high- and low-particle-density regions. X-ray scattering indicates that the particles in the high density regions were so closely packed as to be touching. However, the arrangement of the particles does not conform to that predicted by standard inter-particle pair potentials, suggesting that the particle packing induced by freezing differs from that formed during equilibrium densification processes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering 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 Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Particle-scale structure in frozen colloidal suspensions from small angle x-ray scattering will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-130581