Gravity-induced phase phenomena in plate-rod colloidal mixtures

Gravity can affect colloidal suspensions since for micrometer-sized particles gravitational and thermal energies be comparable over vertical length scales of a few millimeters. In mixtures, each species possesses different buoyant mass, which make experimental results counter-intuitive difficult to interpret. Here, we revisit from theoretical perspective iconic sedimentation-diffusion-equilibrium experiments on plate-rod mixtures by van der Kooij Lekkerkerker. We reproduce their findings, including the observation five mesophases in single cuvette. Using sedimentation path theory, incorporate gravity into microscopic theory bulk mixture. also show how disentangle effects obtain behavior predictions that experimentally tested. These include changes sequence altering sample height. demonstrate both mass ratio height form control parameters study phase behavior.