Model for gelation with explicit solvent effects: structure and dynamics.
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.
Plischke
Michael
M
Physics Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6.
Vernon
D C
DC
Joós
Béla
B