mpact of size asymmetry between the constituents of a mixture on the kinetic pathway of phase separation

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The primary goal of the project is to investigate the behavior of asymmetric colloidal system. To reach this goal, first I learned the synthesis of colloidal PMMA particles and successfully could produce fluorescently labeled micro sized particles with low polydispersity. In order to define the electrostatic nature of the studied system, first, I systemically improved an electrophoresis measurement procedure to determine the charge of the colloidal particles. Second, I constructed a self-made conductivity meter to probe the free ion concentration in organic solvents. Eventually, a size asymmetric colloidal system with well-defined physical properties was achieved. The system consists of two colored particles with 2.3 micrometre and 3.1 micrometre in size immersed in density and refractive index matched solvent (cis-decalin, CHB). Colloidal systems were prepared by varying the number ratio between 2.3 and 3.1 sized particles and observed using laser confocal microscopy. The results were analyzed in terms of the structure factor. Further fine adjustment of the experimental procedure is required to reach high quality results.