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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 71-126 |
Number of pages | 56 |
Journal | Advances in Colloid and Interface Science |
Volume | 73 |
Publication status | Published - 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