Project Details
Projekt
Dynamic properties of anisotropic magnetic fluids
Applicant
Dr. Hajnalka Nádasi
Subject Area
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Term
from 2020 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 442552480
Soft multifunctional materials open new avenues for designing smart devices responsive to various stimuli, such as electric and magnetic fields, mechanical deformation and chemical agents. Magnetic nanocomposites based on liquid crystals are very promising systems since the liquid crystalline structure can stabilise the magnetic order. Recent demonstration of spontaneous ferromagnetic order in a liquid state allowed the design of novel optical materials highly susceptible to magnetic fields. Our project continues to pursue the objectives of the previous funding period, focusing on understanding the dynamics and self-assembly mechanisms in anisotropic fluids exhibiting magnetic order. The new proposal is built on the success, and new findings in the studies of the magnetic dynamics in dispersions of magnetic nanoplatelets gathered in the previous funding period using AC susceptometry, mechanical, magnetic and optical studies in a rotating magnetic field. In the new funding period, we will continue studying magnetic fluids containing nanoplatelets and explore the role of matrix-mediated interactions and confinement effects in self- assembly, study the character of the director-magnetisation couplings and rheology. In particular, we will explore the role of interfacial anchoring on the structure and dynamics in ferronematics and ferromagnetic nematics in confinement, such as microdroplets. Using mixtures of thermotropic nematics with nanoplatelets will enable us to produce and study active magnetic emulsions, where the microdroplets propel in the presence of the surfactant at concentrations above the critical micellar concentration. Employment of the newly discovered ferroelectric nematics as a matrix for the ferromagnetic platelets will allow us to prepare multiferroic materials combining the properties of fluid ferroelectrics and ferromagnetics. The proposed research gives a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of liquid ferromagnetic materials essential for fundamental research and technology applications.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Austria, Slovenia, United Kingdom
