FLUCTUATING BOND AGGREGATION - A MODEL FOR CHEMICAL GEL FORMATION

The diffusion-limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) model is modified by including cluster deformations using the bond fluctuation algorithm. From 3D computer simulations, it is shown that, below a given threshold value cg of the volumic fraction c, the realization of all intra-aggregate bonding possibilities prevents the formation of a gelling network. For c>cg, the sol-gel transition occurs at a time tg which, in contrast to DLCA, does not diverge with the box size. Several results are reported including small angle scattering curves, and possible applications are discussed. © 1995 The American Physical Society.