Objectives: Perform a comprehensive study of the impact of shear history on suspensions of model colloidal gels submitted to an external electric field. We will investigate different types of pre-shear protocols under controlled shear stress and shear rate and determine how the gel microstructure is affected in the presence of a static electric field. We will also vary the direction and intensity of the electric field for a given pre-shear protocol. Key observables for characterizing the gels will be the sample porosity, the cluster anisotropy, and the residual stresses. In addition, ultrasonic velocimetry will allow us to monitor the flow profiles during the pre-shear and offer unique insights at the mesoscale on the sol-gel transition triggered by flow cessation. The goal is to find synergies between the electric field and the shear history to make gels with on-demand microstructural properties relevant to fabricating soft precursors involved in synthesizing solid electrolytes at SUNL.
Industrial secondments: DC6 will be at HIC (15M/M24-M38), during which s/he will work on composites made of polymer and inorganic filler particles to tune the structure of concrete formulations. S/he will also be at UNILUK (3M) to test for similar effects in the clay gels for anti-perspirant aerosols.
Academic secondments: UGEO (1M/M18):Compare experimental results with computer simulation without hydrodynamics.
