Rheology and dynamics of colloidal superballs

摘要: Recent advances in colloidal synthesis make it possible to generate a wide array of precisely controlled, non-spherical particles. This provides unique opportunity probe the role that particle shape plays dynamics suspensions, particularly at higher volume fractions, where interactions are important. We examine by characterizing both bulk rheology and micro-scale diffusion suspension pseudo-cubic silica superballs. Working with these well-characterized shaped colloids, we can disentangle effects hydrodynamics isolated particles from shape-mediated interactions. find hydrodynamic properties superballs marginally different comparably sized hard spheres. However, modify microstructure, leading significant differences self-diffusion While this excluded interaction be captured rescaling superball fraction, observe qualitative shear thickening behavior moderately concentrated suspensions defy simple onto sphere results. study helps define unknowns associated on solutions.