Colloidal dynamics and elasticity of dense wax particle suspensions over a wide range of volume fractions when tuning the softness by temperature.

We report on the colloidal dynamics and rheology of liquid droplet emulsions and solid particle suspensions over a wide range of volume fractions. Diffusing wave spectroscopy and rheometry were utilized to study the micro/macroscale properties of 1-eicosene wax particles dispersed in water. By changing the temperature, the wax droplets change their properties from soft to hard or vice versa, which, depending on the density, may affect the system properties in a different way. Our measurements in the high volume fraction regime focus on the elasticity index and the plateau storage modulus, Gp′. The results show a more pronounced increase of the modulus for the wax particle suspensions around the random close packing volume fraction compared to the emulsion.Graphical abstract

Source: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects - April 17, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research