The particle size dependence of the reversible shear thickening transition in dense colloidal
suspensions is explored. Five suspensions of monodisperse silica are synthesized via the
Stöber synthesis. The physicochemical properties of the dispersions are quantified using
transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, small angle light scattering,
electrophoresis, and viscometry. Rheology measurements indicate a critical stress marking
the onset of reversible shear thickening that depends on the dispersion's particle size …