Network formation and relaxation dynamics in a new model for colloidal gelation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple model for colloidal gelation, using molecular dynamics simulations to analyze bond lifetimes and network relaxation, providing insights into gel formation at finite temperatures.

Contribution

It presents a new model capturing gel formation dynamics and relates bond and node lifetimes to relaxation behavior in colloidal gels.

Findings

Long-living bonds form at low temperature and volume fraction.

Open percolating networks are observed in the gel phase.

Relaxation dynamics are linked to bond and node lifetimes.

Abstract

We investigate the gel formation from the equilibrium sol phase in a simple model that has the characteristics of (colloidal) gel-forming systems at a finite temperature. At low volume fraction and low temperatures, particles are linked by long-living bonds and form an open percolating network. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, we study the lifetime of bonds and nodes of the gel network in order to relate these quantities to the complex relaxation dynamics observed.