Flow-Switched Bistability in a Colloidal Gel with Non-Brownian Grains

Abstract

We show that mixing a colloidal gel with larger, non-Brownian grains generates novel flow-switched bistability. Using a combination of confocal microscopy and rheology, we find that prolonged moderate shear results in liquefaction by collapsing the gel into disjoint globules, whereas fast shear gives rise to a yield-stress gel with granular inclusions upon flow cessation. We map out the state diagram of this new `mechanorheological material' with varying granular content and demonstrate that its behavior is also found in separate mixture using different particles and solvents.