Gel-forming patchy colloids and network glass formers: Thermodynamic and Dynamic analogies

TL;DR

This paper explores the thermodynamic and dynamic similarities between gel-forming patchy colloids and network glass formers, emphasizing the role of limited valence in their behavior and properties.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the analogies between colloidal gels and molecular network-forming liquids, highlighting the impact of limited valence on their thermodynamics and dynamics.

Findings

Limited valence influences gel and glass formation.

Analogies between colloidal and molecular gels are supported.

Thermodynamic and dynamic behaviors show significant similarities.

Abstract

This article discusses recent attempts to provide a deeper understanding of the thermoreversible "gel" state of colloidal matter and to unravel the analogies between gels at the colloidal level and gels at the molecular level, commonly known as network-forming strong liquids. The connection between gel-forming patchy colloids and strong liquids is provided by the limited valence of the inter-particle interactions, i.e. by the presence of a limit in the number of bonded nearest neighbors.