Modeling dependence of creep recovery behavior on relaxation time distribution of ageing colloidal suspensions

TL;DR

This paper develops a scaling model linking relaxation time distribution to creep recovery in ageing colloidal suspensions, showing broader distributions enhance recovery, with experimental validation on laponite suspensions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scaling model that correlates relaxation time distribution with creep recovery behavior in ageing soft glassy materials.

Findings

Broader relaxation time distributions lead to increased ultimate recovery.

The model accurately predicts creep-recovery behavior in laponite suspensions.

Time translational invariance applies in certain ageing regimes.

Abstract

A scaling model is developed to correlate relaxation time distribution of soft glassy materials to ultimate recovery. We propose that in the limit of creep-recovery time smaller than age, time translational invariance can be applied to ageing soft materials. In such limit, multimode linear viscoelastic model with Spriggs relaxation spectrum predicts enhancement in the ultimate recovery with broadening of the relaxation time distribution. We analyze these results in the context of creep-recovery behavior of aqueous suspension of laponite with varying concentration of salt.