Modelling colloids with Baxter's adhesive hard sphere model

TL;DR

This paper uses computer simulations to analyze the structure of Baxter's adhesive hard sphere model, comparing results with theoretical predictions and discussing implications for colloidal systems with short-range attractions.

Contribution

It provides high-accuracy simulation data for the radial distribution function and structure factor, and evaluates the Percus--Yevick theory's predictions for adhesive hard spheres.

Findings

Radial distribution function shows discontinuities due to adhesion

Simulation results align with Percus--Yevick theory under certain conditions

Discusses rigidity in percolating clusters and experimental relevance

Abstract

The structure of the Baxter adhesive hard sphere fluid is examined using computer simulation. The radial distribution function (which exhibits unusual discontinuities due to the particle adhesion) and static structure factor are calculated with high accuracy over a range of conditions and compared with the predictions of Percus--Yevick theory. We comment on rigidity in percolating clusters and discuss the role of the model in the context of experiments on colloidal systems with short-range attractive forces.