Colloids and the depletion interaction

Animation of depletion effects in colloid-polymer mixtures that occur in systems such as food and paint. The non-adsorbing polymer chains induce an effective attraction between the colloidal spheres. Above a certain polymer concentration this can lead to demixing.

For more information, see the open access book: H.N.W. Lekkerkerker, R. Tuinier and M. Vis, "Colloids and the Depletion Interaction", Second Edition, Lecture Notes in Physics 1026, Springer Netherlands, 2024 ( https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-521... ).

Credits:
Animation: ICMS Animation Studio
Voice-over: Studio Make
Music: "Nebulas Night" by Jason Livesay