Dynamics of colloid accumulation under flow over porous obstacles

The accumulation of colloidal particles to build dense structures from dilute suspensions may follow distinct routes. The mechanical, structural and geometrical properties of these structures depend on local hydrodynamics and colloidal interactions. Using model suspensions flowing into microfabricated porous obstacles, we investigate this interplay by tuning both the flow pattern and the ionic strength. We observe the formation of a large diversity of shapes, and demonstrate that growing structures in turn influence the local velocity pattern, favouring particle deposition either locally or over a wide front. We also show that these structures are labile, stabilised by the flow pushing on them, in low ionic strength conditions, or cohesive, in a gel-like state, at higher ionic strength. The interplay between aggregate cohesion and erosion thus selects preferential growth modes and therefore dictates the final shape of the structure.