Abstract
We study the sedimentation process of a binary colloidal soft sphere system where significant overlaps of the particles are possible. We employ estimates of the equation of states in the small and large pressure limit in order to predict the final states of the sedimentation process. Furthermore, Brownian dynamics simulations were performed in order to confirm the predictions and to explore the dynamics of the sedimentation. We observe that the segregation process due to gravity usually consists of multiple steps. Instead of single particles moving upwards or downwards we usually observe that first local segregation occurs, then clusters consisting of particles of one species are formed that finally sink towards their equilibrium position within the final sedimentation profile. The possible final states include complex phases like a phase consisting of large particles on the top and the bottom of the system with small particles in between. We also observe metastable network-like structures.
Highlights
Due to the ubiquitous presence of gravity sedimentation processes immediately play an important role in a huge number of common situations
Controlling the sedimentation process is important in order to regulate the growth of crystals or amorphous phases[1,2] and in order to support or avoid separation effects in mixtures of different types of particles
We show that the overlaps of the particles significantly in uence the effective buoyancy and the sedimentation process
Summary
Due to the ubiquitous presence of gravity sedimentation processes immediately play an important role in a huge number of common situations. Controlling the sedimentation process is important in order to regulate the growth of crystals or amorphous phases[1,2] and in order to support or avoid separation effects in mixtures of different types of particles. Such separation effects are of great interest in many technical applications.
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