We study phase separation in a deeply quenched colloid-polymer mixture in microgravity on the International Space Station using small-angle light scattering and direct imaging. We observe a clear crossover from early-stage spinodal decomposition to late-stage, interfacial-tension-driven coarsening. Data acquired over 5 orders of magnitude in time show more than 3 orders of magnitude increase in domain size, following nearly the same evolution as that in binary liquid mixtures. The late-stage growth approaches the expected linear growth rate quite slowly.

Colloidal silica gels are shown to stiffen with time, as demonstrated by both dynamic light scattering and bulk rheological measurements. Their elastic moduli increase as a power law with time, independent of particle volume fraction; however, static light scattering indicates that there are no large-scale structural changes. We propose that increases in local elasticity arising from bonding between neighboring colloidal particles can account for the strengthening of the network, while preserving network structure. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.048302 PACS numbers: 82.70.Gg, 61.43.Hv, 62.20.Dc, 82.70.Dd Gels are dilute connected networks which are capable of supporting applied stresses; they are commonly used to control the rheological properties of complex materials. Such networks can be formed by the aggregation of colloidal particles, which occurs when an attractive interaction is induced between them. Network elasticity is highly sensitive to the connectivity and arrangement of particles in the constituent aggregates. Colloidal gels are out-ofequilibrium systems; as a result, these networks frequently display time-dependent properties, due to network restructuring. This kind of aging is modeled for generic nonequilibrium systems as an evolution toward lower energy states, as the system explores a complex energy landscape [1,2]. However, network elasticity is also dependent on the interactions between particles; therefore, time-dependent interactions may also lead to changes in network properties. For colloidal gels, it is generally assumed that interparticle attractions, such as those described by Derujaguin-LandauVerwey-Overbeek [3,4] or Asakura-Oosawa potentials [5], determine local bond elasticity, thus, in principle, limiting their strength [6,7]. In the absence of a steric stabilization layer, particle interactions can also arise from physical bonds, as a result of covalent bonding or polymer entanglements. Within this framework, time evolution of network properties can be linked to the interparticle potential, for example, through the transport of particles from secondary to primary minima [8]. Aging can also be a consequence of time-dependent physical bonding; for example, the sintering of aggregated polystyrene particles is thought to drive local shrinkage that deforms the network [9]. The strength of the local interparticle bonds will have a direct impact on the network elasticity; however, these critical effects have never been explored.In this Letter, we present measurements of the elasticity of colloidal silica gels. Surprisingly, we find that, upon gelation, their storage moduli G 0 increase as a power law in time, G 0 t 0:4 , independent of initial volume fraction . Moreover, the time evolution of the network persists long after gelation occurs, for the duration of the measurement. As a consequence, their elasticity maintains the same volume fraction dependence, G 0 3:6 , independent of time. We postulate that the stiffening of the network is a result of chemical reactions at the junctions be...

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The behavior of a neutrally buoyant liquid bridge was studied in the presence of axial electric fields. Silicone oil and a castor-oil–eugenol mixture were used to form cylinders with slenderness ratios larger than π with strong, axial, dc electric fields. Below a certain field strength, a smooth transition to an axisymmetric, vaselike shape occurred. Circulation patterns were observed in these bridges. At lower field strengths, the bridge shape was more deformed and, at a well-defined field, pinch-off occurred. With ac fields, the field strength required to stabilize the bridge was higher and the collapse of the cylinder was much sharper. Upon interchanging the fluids, a steady axial field was found to destabilize cylinders with slenderness ratios less than 3. This behavior is consistent with that anticipated if the fluids behave as leaky dielectrics but not if they act as perfect dielectrics.

We show that the dynamics of large fractal colloid aggregates are well described by a combination of translational and rotational diffusion and internal elastic fluctuations, allowing both the aggregate size and internal elasticity to be determined by dynamic light scattering. The comparison of results obtained in microgravity and on Earth demonstrates that cluster growth is limited by gravity-induced restructuring. In the absence of gravity, thermal fluctuations ultimately inhibit fractal growth and set the fundamental limitation to the lowest volume fraction which will gel.