Formation dynamics of alloy-nanostrands in macroscopic polymer composites

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Bilal Gökce
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391722982

The aim of this research project is to understand the magnetic-field-induced structure formation dynamics of anisotropic alloy nanoparticles arranged in strands within a polymer. Fe@Au and NiFe alloy nanoparticles will be synthesized by laser ablation of an alloy target within a polymer solution. By combining the filamentation of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix, a cross-scale linking of nano (particles) via micro (filaments) to macro (polymer composite) is to be realized. Thus, the novel cross-scale linkages provide novel polymer composites in which a combination of properties such as conductivity and transparency is to be investigated more intensively. Furthermore, the magnetic behavior of the composite materials based on laser-generated Fe @ Au and NiFe nanoparticles will be investigated.The focus of this study which includes multiphysics simulations and experimental investigationsis to determine the influence of particle size distributions and elemental compositions of the nanoparticles, as well as the duration and strength of the external magnetic field and the viscosity of the polymer solution on the structural dynamics. The magnetic (magnetic anisotropy), optical (absorption, transmittance) and electrical (conductivity) properties of the macroscopic composites are also to be investigated. Further, the state of knowledge for the laser-based synthesis of alloy nanoparticles from bulk alloys and pressed powder mixtures will be extended.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants