Self-organized network formation in colloidal dispersions

Abstract

A review. Colloidal crystals are reviewed on their crystn. kinetics, structures, physico-chem. properties (such as rigidity and viscosity) and applications (electro-optical devices, for example). The extended elec. double layers formed around the colloidal particles are clarified to be important for the formation of self-organized structures. Structural patterns formed in the course of drying colloidal dispersion, i.e., dissipative structures, are also discussed in detail. In this review article, strong support is given to the important role of the weak but cooperative network interaction in the crystn. and drying dissipative structures of colloidal dispersions.