Award details

Microscopic structure continuum rheology and temporal evolution of particulate gels

Reference	D09861
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Peter Belton
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Quadram Institute Bioscience
Department	Food Materials Science Division
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	67,307
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/10/1998
End date	01/01/2001
Duration	27 months

Abstract

The project aims to elucidate the microscopic basis for the thermodynamic and rheological properties of particulate gels. Mechanisms of structural re- arrangement subsequent to the sol- gel transition (where a percolating, globally connected network first forms) will be investigated in relation to particle interactions. The consequences for physical stability and syneresis will also be addressed. A multidisciplinary, holistic methodology will be invoked that combines experimental observation with theoretical prediction, as well as verification of mathematical models and approximations using computer simulation methods. Experimental techniques employed will include confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and controlled shear, low deformation rheometry by dynamic oscillation. Theoretical development will involve generalisation of the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory to treat percolating, multiply connected structures, and an attempt to phenomenologically extend the theory to consider long-time scale dynamics of gelled systems. Lattice Monte Carlo simulations and continuous Brownian Dynamics simulations in three dimensions will provide information for model development (by comparison with experimental results) and for testing theoretical approximations. (Joint with grant D09860).

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

D09860 Microscopic structure continuum rheology and temporal evolution of particulate gels

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