Targeted patterning of magnetic microparticles in a polymer composite

Structured and polymerized in a uniform external magnetic field, polymer composites based on magnetic soft microparticles are considered. Variations of magnetic field parameters and material composition provide a possibility of targeted micro-structural patterning of these composites. The influences of parameter variations on the resulting internal micro-structure of the low concentrated specimens are evaluated and visualized using optical microscopy and microcomputed tomography. The experimental findings are discussed in order to provide advanced possibilities of controlled patterning of soft magnetic materials. It is experimentally demonstrated that the final three-dimensional morphology of composite structure is determined mainly by the concentration of magnetic powder. The intensity of the applied magnetic field influences the rate of structuring of particles in initially viscous media and, therefore, may provide a potential opportunity to obtain non-ergodic microstructures when the matrix is polymerized before the particles have completed the structuring process. The results obtained can serve as a basis for further development of the engineering method of targeted patterning. The method is intended to obtain a material with the desired microstructure by selecting specific parameters of external stimuli and components of the composite. This article is part of the theme issue 'Patterns in soft and biological matters'.