Objective
Visual-CE (In-Situ Visualization of Confinement-Directed Entanglement Dynamics in Hybrid Colloid–Polymer Networks) will establish how colloidal particles reorganize polymer entanglements under deformation and thereby toughen soft materials. Soft matter such as gels and elastomers underpins healthcare, robotics, and energy technologies, yet their fragility and poor fatigue resistance limit demanding applications. A new paradigm suggests that when long polymer chains strongly couple to colloids, stresses can redistribute across multiple length scales, unlocking dramatic gains in durability.
Visual-CE combines particle engineering, in situ optical–mechanical imaging, and multiscale modelling in a tightly integrated framework. In WP1, colloidal particles with systematically varied size, surface chemistry, and roughness will be embedded into entangled polymer networks to create well-defined confinement zones. In WP2, ultrafast in situ rheo- and tensile-confocal microscopy, enabled by fluorescent “chemical twin” particles, will directly visualize how these zones reorganize entanglements under shear and extension. In WP3, image-derived descriptors will be translated into predictive models that bridge microscopic confinement dynamics with macroscopic properties such as reinforcement, toughness, and fatigue resistance.
The fellowship consolidates my expertise in polymer physics and fracture mechanics with ETH Zürich’s world-leading strength in colloid science and operando imaging. It will generate new design principles for durable, adaptive soft materials while advancing my independence and positioning me for ERC-level funding.
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 chemical sciences polymer sciences
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.