Kinetic Pathways to Gelation and Effects of Flow-Induced Structuring in Depletion Gels.

ABSTRACT: The kinetic pathways to gelation and the effects of flow-induced restructuring are studied here in depletion flocculated gels with short-ranged attractions, both experimentally and using computer simulations. In the experiments, we first carefully diffuse a screening organic salt to destabilize colloid-polymer mixtures and form a gel. We hence avoid flow history effects, typical of traditional mixing protocols. The initial gelation phases are then accessible and observed by time-resolved confocal microscopy. These insights show that quiescent gelation reduces heterogeneity and strand size with increasing attraction strength, with deeper quenches leading to earlier arrest. These findings are consistent with the simulations which include long-range hydrodynamic interactions. We then compare

SUBMITTER: Colombo G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11869300 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature