Gels, clusters and phase separation in sticky particle systems

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Gels, clusters and phase separation in sticky particle systems

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 1st November 2004
  • Speaker: Helen Sedgwick (University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Arrested states of soft matter systems are currently the focus of much experimental and theoretical interest. In dense colloid-polymer mixtures experiments have shown that two qualitatively different glassy states exist. However, at lower volume fractions the literature contains a wide range of observations including transient gelation, different kinds of amorphous sediment and long-lived clusters. By considering the interaction between gas-liquid phase separation and a non-ergodicity transition, together with the effects of particle charge and gravity, I provide a unified understanding of the aggregation of colloidal systems at low volume fractions.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.