Simulation of adaptive polymer gels with controled network structure

• Applicant: Dr. Michael Lang
• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397384169

This project emplys large scale simulations of amphiphilic co-networks using lattice-based Monte Carlo techniques, allowing to interpret experimental findings on such networks and to improve existing theoretical approaches for the resulting material properties. The main focus will be on structure formation, micro phase separation of different network components as a function of external stimuli, including hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the network components, type of solvent, and strain. In close collaboration with the experimental partners within this research network, embedding, storage, and possibly anisotropic transport of test molecules shall be investigated as a function of various control parameters. In addition to the topics of the first funding period, networks consisting of core-shell star polymers shall be examined, and exclusively covalent bonds between stars shall be replaced by combinations of irreversible and reversible bonds.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2811: Adaptive Polymer Gels with Controlled Network Structure