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Introducing a Method for In Situ Electro-Rheology & Electrophoresis of Complex Fluids by Electron Microscopy.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 July 2020

D.J. Stokes
Affiliation:
Polymers & Colloids group, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OHE, UK.
F.S. Baker
Affiliation:
Polymers & Colloids group, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OHE, UK.
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Extract

It has previously been shown that liquid microstructures can be observed, in their natural state, by use of Environmental SEM (ESEM). In order to take full advantage of the ability to observe the dynamics of complex fluids, efforts are now being directed at developing in situ experimental methodologies. For example, we have recently shown that the coalescence of oil droplets in emulsion systems can be observed in real time. The purpose of the present study is to tackle the challenge of making EM observations of complex fluids under electrical stress (and ultimately electrical & mechanical stress combined) by subjecting particle dispersions to an electric field.

The technique of attracting charged particles to one of two electrodes (electrophoresis) is commonly used as a means of determining the nature and density of charges on such particles. Another technique, using uncharged particle systems, involves applying an electric field across a sample as well as, for example, a shear strain (electro-rheology).

Type
Working with ESEM and Other Variable Pressure Systems
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America

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References

References:

1.Stokes, D.J., Thiel, B.L., and Donald, A.M., Direct Observations of Water/Oil Emulsion Systems in the Liquid State by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy. Langmuir, 1998. 14(16): p. 44024408.Google Scholar
2.Matthews, R.G., Stokes, D.J., and Donald, A.M., ESEM Studies of Surface Phenomena in Complex Fluids. Elsewhere in these procedings.Google Scholar
3.Klingenberg, D.J. and Zukovski IV, C.F., Studies on the Steady-Shear Behavior of Electrorheological Suspensions. Langmuir, 1990. 6(1): p. 1524.Google Scholar
4. The authors gratefully acknowledge The Royal Society for a Warren Research Fund Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellowship for DJS. Thanks also to Dr. S. Clarke, Mr P Bone, Mr R. Peck & Mr R. Halls for help & advice.Google Scholar