Abstract :
Different physical mechanisms leading to phase separation in colloidal fluids are reviewed. Phase separation into two fluid phases can be induced by (a) the long-ranged van der Waals attraction between the colloidal spheres, (b) counterion overscreening, (c) added polymer (d) depletion effects of the solvent, (e) a solvent phase transition. If a strong short-range attraction between the colloidal spheres is present, phase separation occurs into two isostructural solid colloidal phases.
