Difference between revisions of "Sol-Gel Transition"
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== Definition == | == Definition == | ||
| − | The sol-gel transition (also known as gelation) is simply a change from a liquid state to a gel state. In the liquid state, components dispersed in the liquid are relatively free to move about. In the gel state, these sub-units bond together to form a network extending throughout the whole substance. This network gives the material an elasticity: a solid-like property [1, p. 95]. | + | The sol-gel transition (also known as gelation) is simply a change from a liquid state to a gel state. In the liquid state, components dispersed in the liquid are relatively free to move about. In the gel state, these sub-units bond together to form a network extending throughout the whole substance (see figure 1). This network gives the material an elasticity: a solid-like property [1, p. 95]. |
The nature of the sub-units and the bonds between play an important role in the properties of the gel formed. [1, p. 95]. | The nature of the sub-units and the bonds between play an important role in the properties of the gel formed. [1, p. 95]. | ||
| − | [[image: 780px-Wiki SolGel1.jpg|400px|thumb|left|This cartoon shows the free-floating subunits in the sol (liquid) state, and the network formed in the gel state. *From Wikimedia Commons]] | + | [[image: 780px-Wiki SolGel1.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Figure 1. This cartoon shows the free-floating subunits in the sol (liquid) state, and the network formed in the gel state. *From Wikimedia Commons]] |
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
Revision as of 15:41, 4 November 2009
Definition
The sol-gel transition (also known as gelation) is simply a change from a liquid state to a gel state. In the liquid state, components dispersed in the liquid are relatively free to move about. In the gel state, these sub-units bond together to form a network extending throughout the whole substance (see figure 1). This network gives the material an elasticity: a solid-like property [1, p. 95].
The nature of the sub-units and the bonds between play an important role in the properties of the gel formed. [1, p. 95].
Examples
Some examples of sol-gel transitions you may witness are the curing of epoxy [1], the gelling of Jell-O ( ), and the gelation of Jam (Pectin).
http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF8/887.html http://www1.lsbu.ac.uk/water/hypec.html#fun
References
[1] R. Jones, "Soft Condensed Matter," Oxford University Press Inc., New York (2002).
