Work

From double colloidal networks to core-shell and mixed composites through sequential gelation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Multicomponent gel systems have garnered much interest due to their compelling mechanical properties in the past decade. Yet, some mechanisms associated with multicomponent gels, such as sequential gelation, have been explored primarily in the context of chemical non-reversible polymeric and protein gels rather than in physical, reversible colloidal ones. In this study, we use mesoscale simulation techniques to model the sequential gelation of two-component colloidal systems whose inter- and intraspecies electrostatic interactions can be modified independently. We show that by simply leveraging temporal control and interspecies interactions, we can construct markedly different networks—from double networks to mixed and core-shell composite structures of varying coarseness and heterogeneity. These findings present a compelling case for further exploration of multicomponent colloidal systems.

Source: Newton

DOI: 10.1016/j.newton.2026.100632

Authors: Alexander Kaltashov, Thomas Gibaud, Safa Jamali

Institutions: Northeastern University, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS de Lyon

Language: English

Topic: Electrostatics and Colloid Interactions

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,460

Funders: Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, Office of Naval Research