Establish physical mechanisms of ultrasound effects on colloidal gels (for metastable vs. unstable states, and effect of deformable inclusions) using a combination of advanced imaging techniques and computer simulations; achieve precise control of local and global microstructure in industrial gels and establish principles of new, scalable material processing.
Task 4.1: Model Colloidal Gels tuned by ultrasound (M6-44)
Investigate the rheoacoustic response of relevant model systems (WP1) for controlled experiments and industrial applications of WP4 and the effect of ultrasound on rheology/shear-induced transitions in filled colloidal gels and rod gels (WP2).
Task 4.2: Colloidal gels with active inclusions tuned by ultrasound (M6-44)
Different mechanisms of gel tuning with bubbles activated by ultrasound will be explored: linear and non-linear response of bubbles, collective effects, effect of ultrasound frequency, and bubble size. Methods to seed gels with bubbles of desired size and volume fraction will be developed. Advanced imaging (optical and acoustical), scattering and computer simulations will be used to monitor the evolution of the microstructure; novel methods based on Rheo-OCT will be assessed. (D4.3, D4.4)
Task 4.3: Industrial systems tuned by ultrasound (M6-44)
Precise control of ultrasound-induced mechanisms (Tasks 4.1 and 4.2) will be exploited for novel processing routes of industrial gels and to optimize the properties of nanocomposite electrolytes and of personal care products. (D4.5, D4.6)
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