Numerical and approximate studies on the theoretical dielectric relaxation of colloidal suspensions in the time domain

Abstract

In this work we show numerical calculations on the dielectric behavior of colloidal suspensions in the time domain. The theory elaborated by DeLacey and White ((1981) J Chem Soc Faraday Trans 2 77:2007–2039) for dilute suspensions in the frequency domain, will be the basis for the present study. The different contributions, and their relative importance, to the transient current density generated in the suspensions after the application of a step electric field, are calculated from the dielectric response function associated to the DeLacey and White's model. In particular, we analyze the conduction and absorption current densities in the transient states upon changing the concentration of the supporting electrolyte in the suspension. With the aim of characterizing the response of the suspension for short times, an approximation to the distribution function of relaxation times that best fits the dielectric model, is calculated. Finally, an exhaustive analysis of the behavior of the dielectric response function is carried out, together with a comparison with other models in the time domain.