Partial structure factors in star polymer/colloid mixtures

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Partial structure factors in star polymer/colloid mixtures

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 27th August 2001
  • Speaker: Jörg Stellbrink (IFF/KFA Jülich Germany)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Addition of polymer to colloidal suspensions induces an attractive part to the colloid pair potential, which is of purely entropic origin (''depletion interaction''). We investigated the influence of polymer branching by studying mixtures of hard sphere colloids and star polymers with increasing arm number f=2-32, but constant Rg~50nm. We found a pronounced effect of branching on the position of the gas/liquid demixing transition.

Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) we were able to measure partial structure factors in star polymer/colloid mixtures. The relative distance to the demixing transition is reflected in our scattering data. All experimental results are in good aggreement with recent theoretical calculations.

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..

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