Final Report Summary - FREECO (Freezing Colloids)
In this project, we progressed towards a deep understanding of the freezing of colloids through novel in situ observations approaches and a physical model that describes the freezing of concentrated particle suspensions. In situ confocal microscopy observations provided unprecedented insights into the dynamics of crystal growth and particle redistribution, and their impact on solidification microstructures. We developed a methodology to evaluate the ice-shaping properties of novel compounds, which was used in particular to evaluate a compound with promising cryopreservation properties. Finally, hierarchical porous composites materials have been be processed and their structure/properties relationships investigated and optimized.
This project, at the borderline of materials science, offered a unique integration of approaches, competences and resources in materials science, chemistry, physics, and technological developments of observation techniques.