Multiscale probing of colloidal gelation dynamics

Abstract

Colloidal gels are viscoelastic materials characterized by the collective behavior of particles that form a space-spanning network. Although the network structure embodies the aggregation process of the particles, the kinetic pathway from a stable suspension to such a complex microstructure remains poorly understood. In this work, we explore the evolution of microscopic structure and dynamics of home-made colloidal particles in the early phase of gelation, by extending the applicability of Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) to non-ergodic media. We demonstrate uncoupled development of the structure and dynamics that reveals an intermediate stage of gel formation, and compare the DDM results with the rheological features of evolving gels. We finally show how understanding the gelation at multiple length and time scales via DDM and rheology opens new ways to tune the mechanical properties of colloidal gels that bear inherent versatility.