Interconnected Physical Phenomena as manifested in Nano - Layered Silicates (Clays).

Members of a nationally Coordinated Research Team (CRT) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the University of Oslo (UiO) and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) proposes to continue and to enhance further a research activ ity for the study of Nanostructured Soft and Complex Materials. The interests of this CRT project ranges from flow in nanoporous media and complex fluids, to nanoscopic material fracture. The CRT combines the best experimental and theoretical resources i n Norway to create a stimulating and productive environment for the study of nanostructured soft and complex matter, a field in which spectacular scientific advances have been made, and with a corresponding increase in research over the past decade. An al ready established and fruitful scientific collaboration between the partners in the CRT, together with their extensive links with international groups, will be further consolidated. This creates a sound basis for understanding-driven research and a resear ch-based graduate program in this important field of science. Specific collaborations with groups located in Paris ENS and Paris-6), and in Brazil (UnB and LNLS) are parts of the project. The following subprojects and activities are parts of the present p roject: *Liquid Crystalline Structures: Studies of ordered phases in caly colloid platelet systems. *Smart Materials: Studies of electrorheological behavior of clay systems. *Studies of ?diffusion? at the nano- to micro- scale in clay systems. *Studies of mixtures of clay nanoparticles and of magnetic nanoparticles (ferrofluids). *Fracturing and fracture morphology of clay gels. *Atomic Force Microsope (AFM) studies of rough surfaces of colloid aggregates. *Electro-optical studies of clay aggregate str uctures salt-water suspensions *Other activities