Cooperative effects and dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles in polymeric fluids

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Patrick Ilg
• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics ; Polymer Materials ; Theoretical Chemistry: Molecules, Materials, Surfaces ; Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237975756

The aim of this project is to study the statics and dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles in a polymeric fluid.We pay special attention to field-induced structure formation, the AC-susceptibility, diffusion, as well as the link between nano- and macroscopic rheological properties and their dependence on an external magnetic field. The investigations will mostly be done by computer simulations of rather detailed, yet mesoscopic models. However, we also want to explore the possibility of simplified models in terms of Fokker-Planck equations with effective potentials.Finally, we will apply a scale-bridging algorithm in order to connect the simulation model to the macroscopic, thermodynamic description. Since the host medium of the nanoparticles is neither a simple fluid nor a purely elastic solid, the planned studies can help to transfer the knowledge from ferrofluids into the field of ferrogels, especially since the degree of viscoelasticity can be tuned in the models that we will consider.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1681: Field Controlled Particle Matrix Interaction: Synthesis, Multi-Scale Modelling and Application of Magnetic Hybrid-Materials
• International Connection: United Kingdom