Theory and simulation of gelation, arrest and yielding in attracting colloids

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical and simulation-based understanding of gelation, arrest, and yielding in attractive colloids across different densities, emphasizing the role of short-range attractions and flow effects.

Contribution

It advances the application of mode-coupling theory to heterogeneous colloidal systems and discusses how attractions influence flow and yield behavior.

Findings

Mode-coupling theory can describe gelation in heterogeneous systems.

Attractions significantly affect shear-thinning and yield behavior.

Simulation results support theoretical predictions.

Abstract

We present some recent theory and simulation results addressing the phenomena of colloidal gelation at both high and low volume fractions, in the presence of short-range attractive interactions. We discuss the ability of mode-coupling theory and its adaptations to address situations with strong heterogeneity in density and/or dynamics. We include a discussion of the effect of attractions on the shear-thinning and yield behaviour under flow.