Contribution of the Interphase Interaction to the Dielectric Permittivity of Colloid Systems

Abstract

Specific features of the dielectric response of colloid systems with electrically interacting components (polar liquid matrix and solid spherical inclusions) have been revealed. A theory was developed to describe dielectric dispersion and anisotropy of the liquid phase caused by the electric field of surface charges on the solid particles. It was found that the local dielectric permittivity in different directions can vary over a wide range and strongly depends on the strength of the inner field. The existence of the interphase interaction leads to the formation of thin structured liquid layers in the contact area of two phases and, therefore, to a decrease in the average dielectric permittivity of the considered system. Nonuniform structure of the polar liquid was taken into account while the derivation of a mixing formula which clearly demonstrates the contribution of the interphase interaction to the dielectric response of the investigated colloid system.