Aggregation of dipolar chains – René Messina
LPCT – UMR CNRS 7019
Self-assembly of dipolar particles assisted by external magnetic/electric field is relevant in the development of a wide range of applications. The inherent chain formation leads to outstanding magnetic properties that can be beneficial to drug delivery,
microfluidic systems, electrophotographic devices, data recording , etc.
In this talk, I will address the aggregation of dipolar chains driven by thermal fluctuations in an external strong magnetic field. A newly discovered simple electrostatic mechanism is exposed. The resulting curvature-mediated quadrupolar coupling rationalizes the counter-intuitive lateral coalescence of dipolar chains. Our Monte Carlo simulations results corroborate this mechanism. These findings shed new light on a longstanding problem in soft matter and related areas.