David Andelman

Title:
Modulated Phases in Complex Fluids: from Ferrofluids to Organic Films and Polymeric Melts

Abstract:
Self-assembling domains in the nano scales are observed in a wide variety of complex fluid systems. I will review the phenomenology behind these patterns and shapes as seen in ferrofluids, organic films and block copolymeriv melts. I will discuss, in particular, several recent advances in thin films of block copolymers. Chemically patterned surfaces induces complex film morphology, while the substrate roughness affects the orientation of the copolymers. A second topic is the behavior of thin films in presence of external electric fields in the range of 1-100V/micron. Such fields can re-orientate phases of block copolymers, and even cause morphological phase transitions.