S. Klapp: Computer simulations and theory of hybrid materials consisting of ferro-colloids and liquid crystal matrices
Description
Soft magnetic materials composed of magnetic colloids in viscous host matrices are promising candidates e.g. as stimuli-responsive materials, as sensors and in robotics.The present project focuses on soft composites composed of ferromagnetic nanoparticles embedded in an orientationally ordered, liquid-crystalline matrix (so-called ferronematics). Using methods from statistical physics, we aim to explore the interplay between the microscopic (static and dynamic) behavior of the ferromagnetic and matrix particles, on the one hand, and the macroscopic material properties, on the other hand.
An important aspect in this context concerns the role of an external magnetic field and its direction relative to that of the liquid-crystalline director. Our investigations will be based on particle-based computer simulations. On the long term we will additionally employ calculations based on mesoscopic equations of motion for the relevant order parameters. In this way we aim to establish a scale-bridging theoretical approach towards ferronematics.
Project Manager
Prof. Dr. Sabine Klapp, Technische Universität Berlin
Staff
Stavros Peroukidis, Technische Universität Berlin
Grant period
2013 -
Publications
[1] Peroukidis, S. D.; Lichtner, K.; Klapp, S. H. L. (2015) „Tunable structures of mixtures of magnetic particles in liquid-crystalline matrices“ RCS, Soft Matter
[2] Peroukidis, S. D.; Klapp, Sabine H.L. (2015) „Spontaneous ordering of magnetic particles in liquid crystals: From chains to biaxial lamellae“ Phys. Rev. E
Contact
TU Berlin, Sekr. EW 7-1
Institut für Theoretische Physik
Fakultät II Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften
Eugene-P.-Wigner-Gebäude
Hardenbergstr. 36
D-10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg