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Hardening transition and phase diagram in a one-dimensional model for ferrogels

By: Mario Alberto Annunziata
From:
At: Instituto de Investigação Interdisciplinar, Anfiteatro
[2014-05-22] 14:00

Ferrogels are magnetic hybrid systems made of ferromagnetic particles embedded in a polymer matrix, which is then cross-linked. We introduce and investigate a coarse-grained model for quasi one-dimensional ferrogels. Magnetic particles are represented by hard spheres with a magnetic dipole moment in their centers. Harmonic springs mimic the presence of a cross-linked polymer matrix. A special emphasis is put on the coupling of the dipolar orientations to the elastic deformations of the matrix. This system already shows a phase transition between “soft-elastic� and “hardened� states. In addition, depending on the strength of magneto-mechanical coupling, its phase diagram can exhibit regions of uniaxially ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic and spirally-magnetized states.