  The aggregation of attractive colloids has been extensively studied from both
theoretical and experimental perspectives as the fraction of solid particles is
changed, and the range, type and strength of attractive or repulsive forces
between particles varies. The resulting gels consisting of disordered
assemblies of attractive colloidal particles, have also been investigated with
regards to percolation, phase separation, and the mechanical characteristics of
the resulting fractal networks. Despite tremendous progress in our
understanding of the gelation process, and the exploration of different routes
for arresting the dynamics of attractive colloids, the complex interplay
between convective transport processes and many-body effects in such systems
has limited our ability to drive the system towards a specific configuration.
Here we study a model attractive colloidal system over a wide range of particle
characteristics and flow conditions undergoing aggregation far from
equilibrium. The complex multiscale dynamics of the system can be understood
using a Time-Rate-Transformation diagram adapted from understanding of
materials processing in block copolymers, supercooled liquids and much stiffer
glassy metals to direct targeted assembly of attractive colloidal particles.
