Colloidal Hard Spheres

Abstract

The phase behavior, dynamical arrest, microstructure and rheology of hard sphere colloidal dispersions are introduced and reviewed, where theory, simulation, and experiment provide a comprehensive basis for understanding this canonical colloidal suspension. The state diagram is examined both at rest, where the ideal glass transition is associated with dynamical arrest, as well as under shear where jamming depends on the applied stress. Linear and nonlinear rheology is presented and analyzed within a microstructural viewpoint. Relevant dimensionless groups governing rheological behavior and characteristic values for properties are developed for the thermodynamics, rheology and dynamics. Theory, simulation, and scaling results are presented to enable prediction and formation of hard sphere suspensions as well as for providing a basis for the understanding of more complex, real-world colloidal suspensions. Finally, extensions to non-smooth hard sphere behavior are briefly introduced as a foundation for understanding current research, including studies of shear thickening rheological behavior.