title: Model for gelation with explicit solvent effects: structure and dynamics.
abstract: We study a two-component model for gelation consisting of f-functional monomers (the gel) and inert particles (the solvent). After equilibration as a simple liquid, the gel particles are gradually cross linked to each other until the desired number of cross links have been attained. At a critical cross-link density, the largest gel cluster percolates and an amorphous solid forms. This percolation process is different from ordinary lattice or continuum percolation of a single species in the sense that the critical exponents are new. As the cross-link density p approaches its critical value p(c), the shear viscosity diverges: eta(p) approximately (p(c)-p)(-s) with s a nonuniversal concentration-dependent exponent.
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plischke
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Vernon
authors.forename: Béla
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Joós