Seminar - SCM

Colloidal particles serve as versatile model systems for exploring a wide range of out-of-equilibrium phenomena. By tuning particle–particle and particle–solvent interactions, one can realize diverse states such as gels, glasses, and dense suspensions. The mechanical response of these systems is intrinsically governed by microscopic interactions and particle-scale dynamics, establishing a direct link between microstructure and macroscopic rheology. A key experimental challenge lies in designing suitable model systems and measurement strategies that enable direct access to the targeted information. In this talk, I will discuss a less commonly used colloidal system [3- trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate (TPM)] that offers distinct experimental advantages such as enabling three-dimensional structural characterization with single-particle resolution in both attractive systems (e.g., gels) and repulsive systems (e.g., glasses and shear thickening dense suspensions). Importantly, this system has potential to access the particle-level rotational dynamics under out-of-equilibrium conditions, an aspect that remains largely unexplored.  In my current research, using TPM colloidal particles, I am investigating a range of particulate systems, including gels, glasses, and shear-thickening suspensions. The focus of this presentation will be on depletion-induced colloidal gels, where I will discuss how oscillatory shear provides a route to selectively tune the linear viscoelastic response, emphasizing the importance of different aspects of training. I will also briefly outline ongoing efforts to address some fundamental questions in shear thickening using the same colloidal system.