Gravitational stability of suspensions of attractive colloidal particles

Phys Rev Lett. 2007 Jul 13;99(2):028303. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.028303. Epub 2007 Jul 11.

Abstract

Colloidal suspensions are susceptible to gravitationally induced phase separation. This can be mitigated by the formation of a particle network caused by depletion attraction. The effectiveness of this network in supporting the buoyant weight of the suspension can be characterized by its compressional modulus. We measure the compressional modulus for emulsion networks induced by depletion attraction and present a model that quantitatively predicts their gravitational stability. We also determine the relationship between the strength of the depletion attraction and the magnitude of the compressional modulus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Compressive Strength
  • Diffusion
  • Gravitation
  • Micelles
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Particle Size
  • Permeability
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Suspensions
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Colloids
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Suspensions