Researchers from the Politecnico di Milano and Université de Montpellier are conducting groundbreaking experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the behaviour of soft matter in a unique environment free from the influence of gravity. This initiative, known as the COLIS project, aims to unravel the complexities of materials such as gels, foams, and colloids as they age and reorganise.
The challenge of studying soft matter on Earth lies primarily in the constant pull of gravity, which affects how particles within these materials settle and cluster. Over time, this gravitational influence complicates the understanding of the internal changes that occur in materials like mayonnaise, sunscreen, and pharmaceuticals. To mitigate this, the research team has created a new experimental facility aboard the ISS, a culmination of over 25 years of collaboration between physicist Luca Cipelletti from the Laboratoire Charles Coulomb and Roberto Piazza, who leads the Soft Matter laboratory at Politecnico di Milano.
Innovative Techniques for Material Analysis
COLIS employs advanced optical techniques to examine materials without disrupting their natural state. One of the key methods used is dynamic light scattering, which analyses how laser beams interact with samples. This process reveals tiny variations known as speckle patterns, providing insights into how gels and other soft materials restructure over time. Additionally, the facility has the capability to carefully heat samples, triggering aging processes in controlled and reproducible ways, allowing researchers to observe molecular-level changes.
Initial findings from the COLIS project have already yielded surprising insights. The research team discovered that gravity has a more profound effect on the structure of soft matter than previously anticipated, significantly influencing material properties even over extended periods. This revelation could have substantial implications for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production.
Implications for Industry and Future Research
Pharmaceutical companies are particularly interested in developing drugs that maintain stability over several years, while cosmetics manufacturers seek creams that remain homogeneous without separating. Food producers require emulsions that retain consistency throughout distribution and storage. By understanding how these materials behave in a weightless environment, researchers can potentially revolutionise formulation design, leading to higher quality products.
The analysis conducted aboard the ISS includes studying colloidal nanoparticles, which are ideal for investigating internal reorganisation and aging. This project operates under the European Space Agency’s “Colloids in Space” programme and receives support from both the Italian Space Agency and the French Space Agency.
As scientists continue their work with COLIS, the insights gained from these experiments may transform our understanding of soft matter and its applications across various sectors, highlighting the importance of space research in driving innovation on Earth.
