Interfacial structuring in a phase-separating mixed biopolymer solution containing colloidal particles.
We report confocal microscopy observations of the spatial distribution of monodisperse charge-stabilized colloidal particles (amphoteric polystyrene latex) incorporated within a spinodal-type phase-separating system of mixed biopolymers (gelatin + oxidized starch). Images from samples aged at 40 degrees C demonstrate a strong tendency for the added particles to accumulate at the liquid-liquid interface and to influence the rate of coarsening of the complex bicontinuous microstructure. Large variations in the local curvature of particle-rich interfacial regions are suggestive of a liquid-liquid boundary that is substantially viscoelastic.
Firoozmand
Hassan
H
Procter Department of Food Science, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
Murray
Brent S
BS
Dickinson
Eric
E
D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D010316:Particle Size; D012996:Solutions
D001704:Biopolymers; D003102:Colloids; D012996:Solutions