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NSFDirectorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

EAGER: Understanding the Equilibrium or Non-Equilibrium Status of Permanent Fluidic Magnets

Completed
Institution
University of California-Los Angeles, CA
Principal investigator
Jun Chen
Funding
$300K
Duration
2024–2026
Open portfolio

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Abstract

Non-Technical Abstract This project investigates network-forming suspensions of ferromagnetic colloids. It offers insights and strategies for designing, programming, and controlling both the microstructure and the macroscopic magnetic and mechanical functionalities of these systems. Technological potential broader impacts of this work include bioelectronic devices, benefiting areas of health care and liquid robotics. It also provides rich and novel colloidal physics and may provide a novel perspective on equilibrium gelation. Technical Abstract Network-forming suspensions of ferromagnetic colloids, which are coined "permanent fluidic magnets" (PFM), are distinct from well-studied ferrofluids due to the use of larger particles and highly viscous solvents, which suppress Brownian motion and sedimentation. Following application of an external magnetic field, the particles assemble into an anisotropic network structure (i.e., an anisotropic gel), and the material acquires a remnant magnetization. Specifically, this EAGER proposal aims to test experimentally, with theoretical comparisons, the question of whether the anisotropic networks are equilibrium states or rather arrested or jammed ones. These experiments would be complemented by both simulations and theory. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

LOADING MOONBASE SCORE

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical SciencesEAGER(MGI) Materials Genome InitiativeCONDENSED MATTER PHYSICSmagnetsequilibriumpermanentsuspensionsanisotropicfluidicbioelectroniceager

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