Rheology Groups

Andrea Giuntoli

University of Groningen

Our group develops molecular dynamics and multiscale computational models to study structure-property relationships of soft materials. We focus on complex environments where heterogeneities, confinement, and out-of-equilibrium phenomena play a major role. In collaboration with experimental groups and industries, we use our models to understand what ingredients are needed to design optimal, sustainable materials towards a better environment (such as materials used for the energy transition) or a better life (such as materials used for biomedical applications).

Arnout Imhof

University of Utrecht

We study concentrated colloidal dispersions subjected to external fields such as gravity, an electric field, or a shear flow. This way we can manipulate the particles to assemble into new structures, to undergo (non-equilibrium) phase transitions, or to form patterns. The 3-dimensional structure and dynamics are studied mainly using confocal microscopy, but also with scattering techniques and rheology. For these experiments new colloidal particles with anisotropic shapes or interactions or with a composite core-shell structure are also developed.

Brian Tighe

TU Delft

We study the mechanics of soft condensed matter using a combination of theoretical and numerical tools. Our focus is on the description, prediction, and control of constitutive relations in emulsions, foams, granulates, and other disordered materials with a rigidity transition.

Daniele Parisi

University of Groningen

Daniele holds A PhD in Materials Science and Technology attained at the University of Crete within the Marie Skłodowska Curie training network “COLLDENSE” (Colloids of Designed Response). Daniele is a Soft Matter experimentalist, with extensive knowledge of rheology, rheometry, polymer and colloid physics.
The research goal in the Parisi group is to understand the structural and dynamic properties of various (bio)polymeric and colloidal systems, in quiescent and under deformation conditions, to design and engineering novel impactful materials. The experimental research approach in the Parisi group involves various rheological techniques, often coupled with in-situ spectroscopy (i.e., birefringence, light scattering, Raman and FTIR), and molecular models, with the aim at linking molecular properties of polymers and macroscopic rheological response.

Devaraj van der Meer

University of Twente

We study the mechanics of granular materials and fluids, with a particular focus on those situations in which they interact with each other. Think for instance of the impact of a raindrop on sand, or the behavior of a very dense granular suspension. We strive to employ a combination of experiments, analysis and numerical techniques to attain to a profound understanding of the physics behind these systems.

Federico Toschi

TU Eindhoven

Our research focuses on understanding how matter flows. From the soft-glassy rheology of complex fluids with an internal microscopic structure to large-scale turbulent flows. Our approach combines theory, numerical simulations and experiments to investigate the fundamental physics of these systems and to understand their complex statistical properties. Additionally, we work on extending physics tools to describe and understand the dynamics of active systems including social systems such as the flow of human crowds.

Frieder Mugele

University of Twente

Our research focuses on i) nanofluidics, ii) (electro)wetting and microfluidics and iii) rheology of complex fluids. Micro- to millimeter sized droplets are modified via external fields and/or adsorption. Colloidal particles are used as tracers for convection or diffusion (microrheology) and studied for their interactions with solid or liquid interfaces. Aim is to gain fundamental understanding, and perspective for applications.

Gijsje Koenderink

Amolf

We investigate the physical mechanisms that govern the self-organization and (active) mechanical properties of living cells. We focus mainly on the physics of cytoskeletal polymers, active matter, and cellular mechanosensing. Key technologies in our lab are advanced microscopy, optical tweezer manipulation, optical microrheology, and rheology. Ultimately we aim to learn biological design principles to design new biomimetic materials.

Hans Wyss

TU Eindhoven

We use and develop experimental tools to study the structure, dynamics and rheology of soft materials, thereby revealing the physical mechanisms that govern their behavior. Current topics include the mechanics of cells and soft microgel particle systems, the use of microfluidics to control and study soft matter, colloids with anisotropic interactions, and the development of new mechanical probes.

H.Burak Eral

TU Delft

Our group’s interest is at the intersection of soft matter, transport phenomena and crystallization. We focus on fundamental principles governing out-of-equilibrium manufacturing/separation processes involving flow, phase transitions (particularly, crystallization, polymorphism) and complex fluids. Leveraging this fundamental understanding, we design sustainable processes and tailored soft materials contributing to societal challenges in water scarcity, energy transition and food security. We combine experimental techniques (microfluidics, high speed microscopy, rheology and scattering) and theoretical approaches (analytical & simulation techniques).

Jasper van der Gucht

University of Wageningen

The Wageningen Soft Matter group works on a range of diverse topics, in which macromolecules generally play an important role. Specific topics include: foams, emulsion and ionic liquids; dense particle systems; biomimetic materials; molecular modelling; proteins and engineered protein polymers; self-assembly of micelles, membranes and vesicles; hydrogels. We aim at analysing soft materials from a physics point of view and manipulating them using chemical tools and expertise.

Joris Sprakel

University of Wageningen

We study and develop new responsive colloidal and polymeric systems. A major aim is to identify the mechanisms for catastrophic macroscopic phenomena such as fracture, melting and phase inversion at which microscopic structures, stresses and thermal fluctuations all become of significance. We also work on manipulating this interplay at the microscopic level to create new materials with enhanced functionality.

Joshua Dijksman

University of Wageningen

We are interested in the mechanical behavior of structured materials. In particular, we aim to understand how microstructure and interparticle forces combine to generate the surprising solid/fluid dynamics in for example soft particle packings, suspensions, granulates and other athermal particulate systems. To gain insight in these microscopic features, we develop new experimental tools such as macroscopic three dimensional microscopy, photo-elastic stress imaging and novel rheological methods. In addition, we combine 3D printing, video microscopy and other experimental techniques to explore the mechanics of soft friction and the flow behavior of active matter.

Kees Storm

TU Eindhoven

We are a theory group, focused on predictive modeling of the mechanical properties of soft, mostly biological, materials: Biopolymers, lipid bilayer membranes, biological and biomimetic network materials. We use analytical theory, Monte Carlo and MD simulations to better understand the relation between microscopic properties, spatial organization and, ultimately, macroscopic response.

Paul Kouwer

Radboud University

The Molecular Materials group at Radboud University develops new synthetic hydrogels. The gels are based on polyisocyanides that reversibly gel when heated beyond room temperature. The semi-flexible nature of the polymer chains in combination with the fibrous architecture makes the gels very similar to collagen or fibrin gels, but with synthetic materials, we have much more control over their molecular structure and, hence the gel properties. Part of the group studies how we can (in situ) manipulate the mechanical properties of the gels; the other part manipulates the hydrogel to direct cell behaviour.

Peter Schall

University of Amsterdam

We investigate soft condensed matter at the micron scale - crystallization and phase separations, solid and liquid-like behavior, elastic and plastic properties. Using three-dimensional microscopic imaging and light scattering we bridge length scales from the particle scale to macroscopic lengths, thereby linking the microscopic behavior of these materials to their macroscopic properties.

Valeria Garbin

TU Delft

We are interested in the behaviors of soft materials under flow and deformation, particularly the extreme deformation conditions of cavitation (for biomedical ultrasound and biotechnology) and industrial processing flows (for formulated products and advanced materials). We study microscale transport phenomena in soft and biological matter using high-speed video microscopy, microfluidics, acoustofluidics, small-angle X-ray scattering, optical tweezers, acoustical tweezers, and other fluidic and imaging techniques. Combining precision measurements with numerical simulations or analytical models, we aim to link the change in microstructure of a soft material to its mascroscopic properties and its performance in applications. Our research is ultimately aimed at developing innovative solutions for sustainable processes and products, drug delivery, bioprocessing, and advanced materials.