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Rheological and microstructural transitions in colloidal crystals

Journal Article · · Langmuir; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/la00020a052· OSTI ID:7178572
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States)
  2. Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States)
The flow of suspensions of 229-nm, charge-stabilized, polystyrene latex particles is directly linked with suspension microstructure. Transitions from long-range orientational order at rest to a steady-state, polycrystalline phase are associated with exceeding the dynamic yield stress. Application of stresses larger than a critical value nucleates a sliding layer microstructure which is accompanied by a discontinuous drop in suspension viscosity. Over a range of shear rates, polycrystalline and sliding layer microstructures coexist. At elevated shear rates, stresses and microstructures fluctuate in time. Shear thickening accompanies the complete loss of long-range orientational order. The transitions in rheology and microstructure are reversible except at very high shear rates where shear thickening accompanies irreversible flocculation. 48 refs., 20 figs., 1 tab.
OSTI ID:
7178572
Journal Information:
Langmuir; (United States), Journal Name: Langmuir; (United States) Vol. 10:8; ISSN LANGD5; ISSN 0743-7463
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English