Mesoscopic structure formation in colloidal aggregation and gelation

Wilson Poon, M D Haw

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract

Recent small-angle light scattering experiments have revealed that diffusively aggregating spherical particles develop structure on a mesoscopic length scale (similar to tens of particles). The mesoscopic structural length scale persists even when the aggregation proceeds to the formation of a space-spanning network (a gel). We review the technique of small-angle light scattering, survey the experimental evidence for mesoscopic structure formation, discuss attempts at understanding these experimental observations by computer simulation of irreversible and reversible diffusion-limited cluster aggregation (DLCA), and propose a coherent picture for the understanding of non-equilibrium aggregation in the context of phase transitions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)71-126
Number of pages56
JournalAdvances in Colloid and Interface Science
Volume73
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 1997

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • CLUSTER-CLUSTER AGGREGATION
  • DIFFUSION-LIMITED AGGREGATION
  • CRYSTAL PHASE-TRANSITIONS
  • LONG-RANGE CORRELATIONS
  • SPINODAL DECOMPOSITION
  • FRACTAL AGGREGATION
  • 2 DIMENSIONS
  • POLYSTYRENE LATEX
  • POLYMER MIXTURES
  • ADHESIVE SPHERES

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mesoscopic structure formation in colloidal aggregation and gelation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this