At CEMCA; IRDL, Matthieu Kermarrec developed innovative polymer composites exploiting spin transition.
Matthieu Kermarrec, chercheur·e au sein de CEMCA; IRDL (Institut de Chimie - CNRS Chimie).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Science de la Matière, des Molécules et Matériaux (Rennes).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Matthieu Kermarrec's thesis, titled "Multifunctional Switchable Materials Based on Polymers", delves into a promising and rapidly expanding field: that of smart materials. These materials, which possess the unique ability to modify their properties in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or magnetic fields, are increasingly sought after in various industrial sectors. Their potential applications are immense, ranging from electronics to biomedicine, including automotive and even aerospace. The research specifically focuses on viscoelastic composites with spin transition, a fascinating physical phenomenon that could transform our approach to materials and revolutionize the way we design the products of tomorrow.
The composites developed in this thesis are based on cooperative coordination chains “Fe(II)-triazole”, dispersed as nano or microparticles in a polymer matrix. This innovative approach allows for the adjustment of the composites' properties by manipulating several crucial parameters, such as particle size and concentration, as well as the chemical nature of the complex. For example, the results obtained show that a concentration of 4.1 M of PSS in aqueous solution achieved interesting magnetic and rheological properties, thus paving the way for potential applications in flexible electronic devices or biomedical sensors.
The implications of this research are vast and touch on many areas. Indeed, understanding the mechanisms of spin transition and characterizing the viscoelastic properties of the composites could have significant repercussions in various sectors. For instance, in electronics, these materials could enable the creation of more efficient and adaptable printed circuits, capable of adjusting to environmental conditions. In the automotive sector, they could contribute to the manufacturing of lightweight and durable parts, thereby improving the energy efficiency of vehicles. In biomedicine, spin transition materials could be used to develop controlled drug release devices, offering more effective and personalized treatments.
However, several questions remain unanswered. How can these materials be effectively integrated into existing industrial processes? What are the regulatory or technical barriers to overcome for their large-scale adoption? These questions are crucial and require particular attention from decision-makers and industry stakeholders. Indeed, to maximize the potential of these materials, it is essential to develop clear strategies and foster collaboration among researchers, industry players, and regulators.
The thesis also recommends promoting the use of spin transition materials in various industrial contexts and encouraging further research to deepen knowledge about the properties of viscoelastic gels. This could not only enrich the field of polymer materials but also contribute to significant technological innovations. In West Africa, for example, where the industrial sector is rapidly growing, the integration of these smart materials could play a key role in the development of new technologies and job creation.
In conclusion, Kermarrec's research represents a major advancement in the field of smart materials. The results obtained highlight the importance of further exploring the viscoelastic behaviors of critical gels, in order to optimize their use in various technological applications. The thesis thus opens the door to new research and innovation perspectives, not only for the polymer materials sector but also for the entire industry. The stakes are considerable and deserve sustained attention to transform these discoveries into concrete and beneficial applications for society.
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Sources et accès
Matthieu Kermarrec. Matériaux commutables multifonctionnels à base de polymères. Polymères. Université de Bretagne occidentale - Brest, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023BRES0052⟩. ⟨tel-04933334⟩