We present the first experimental results on the effect of the particles content (up to ϕ = 20% volume fraction of solids) in the low frequency dielectric dispersion (LFDD) of suspensions of hematite (α-Fe2O3) prolate spheroidal colloids. Two α-relaxations, each one associated to a characteristic dimension of the particles, are clearly observed, but they present different dependencies with volume fraction. Accounting for particle–particle interactions, in terms of models for spheres, allows a comprehensive interpretation of the mechanisms involved, suggesting the presence of a nematic phase in our suspensions.
You have access to this article
Please wait while we load your content...
Something went wrong. Try again?