Colloidal dispersions. A study of their order using the Percus–Yevick equation

Abstract

The Percus–Yevick equations have been used to study the equilibrium properties of a relatively concentrated polystyrene-like colloidal dispersion. Radial distribution functions, and osmotic pressures for a range of particle number densities and electrolyte strengths are presented. The results shed some light on the iridescence observed in these systems. The number density dependence of the cluster number, which counts nearest neighbours, and a “dimer equilibrium constant” is also computed.