Objective
The ability to control regular spatial arrangements of particles is one of the central issues of the ‘‘bottom-up’’ approach to nanotechnology. Self-assembling of colloidal particles has arisen as a very hopeful alternative. However, these studies are typically performed in aqueous media where the interparticle interactions are poorly controlled. In this project we will study the interactions between particles trapped in a novel challenging interface consisting of a nematic liquid crystal and an isotropic fluid. Our fist objective is to exploit the unique properties of the nematic phase to achieve a high degree of control in the interaction of the particles trapped in the interface. In this geometry, the particle-particle interactions are triggered by capillary forces resulting from the interface distortion. We will employ electric/magnetic fields as well as sophisticated anchoring conditions for the nematic to tailor these distortions in terms of range, amplitude, and directionality. We will address questions concerning crystallization, melting and aggregation in a 2-dimensional space. To quantify the interface deformations we will use a technique based on Michelson interferometry and optical tweezers. Our second objective is to study the effect of particle anisotropy in the formation of ordered patterns. We will consider both spherical particles with anchoring gradients and particles with exotic geometry. Despite the richness of behavior expected, the relationship between the anisotropy of colloids and their collective behavior when trapped in an interface is still largely unknown. Finally, we will analyze how the behavior of the colloidal particles is affected by the interface curvature. Some elegant theoretical predictions show that equilibrium positions are located in the points of constant Gaussian curvature. This behavior is still completely unexplored experimentally and may find practical relevance in pickering emulsions, solid stabilized foams, etc.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics soft matter physics
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- engineering and technology materials engineering liquid crystals
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
34095 MONTPELLIER
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.