Phenomenological model of viscoelasticity for systems undergoing sol–gel transition

A material undergoing sol–gel transition evolves from the pre-gel (sol) state to post-gel through critical gel state. It is well-known that gels exhibit power-law rheology. The faster decay of relaxation modulus in can be empirically described by modifying this with a stretched exponential factor. phenomenological analytical expression for proposed invoking symmetry associated evolution time on either side and accounting natural constraints. This expression, which depends extent cross-linking, suitably transformed obtain expressions dynamic moduli continuous spectrum. Thus, model facilitates comprehensive description viscoelastic states. validated carrying out experiments colloidal gel-forming system considering other diverse systems studied literature. After calibrating parameters model, it found excellent agreement experimental data. Such well-calibrated used determine any linear response over wide range frequencies extents cross-linking encompassing entire transition.