A model for gelation with explicit solvent effects: Structure and dynamics

Abstract

We study a two-component model for gelation consisting of $f$-functional monomers (the gel) and inert particles (the solvent). After equilibration as a simple liquid, the gel particles are gradually crosslinked to each other until the desired number of crosslinks has been attained. At a critical crosslink density the largest gel cluster percolates and an amorphous solid forms. This percolation process is different from ordinary lattice or continuum percolation of a single species in the sense that the critical exponents are new. As the crosslink density $p$ approaches its critical value $p_c$, the shear viscosity diverges: $\eta(p)\sim (p_c-p)^{-s}$ with $s$ a nonuniversal concentration-dependent exponent.