Core Research Program
On this page, the following initials are used for the members of staff:
RGG = Prof RG Gilbert
RIT = Prof RI Tanner
LC = Prof L Copeland
GGW = Prof GG Warr
VG = Dr V Gomes
MPT = Dr MP Tonge
BSH = Dr BS Hawkett
Structure-property relations of polymer colloids and polymers from polymer colloids
Overview
The relationship between molecular and mesoscopic structure on the one hand and mechanical properties on the other is a major unsolved problem in the science and technology of polymer colloids: the study of how changes at the molecular level affect physical properties. Projects in this area aim first to create a data base for how a range of final properties depend on the experimental parameters (and hence mechanisms) in conventional free-radical polymer colloid synthesis. Second, this data base is used to develop qualitative and quantitative theories of these structure-property relations.
Current projects
Surfactants in the growth and properties of polymer colloids
Overview
There is at present no scientific method of systematically choosing a surfactant to control polymer colloid properties or processes. The objective of this research program is to obtain a more rigorous scientific basis for the link between the properties of a surfactant and properties of a polymer colloid formed using that surfactant.
Current projects
Polymer colloid reaction engineering and production
Overview
A universal problem in the industrial manufacturing of polymer colloids is that a process which works well on a 1 litre laboratory scale can fail when scaled up to 20 tonnes. Some fundamental reasons for this are understood: many of the steps in an emulsion polymerization are such that the process is sensitive to small fluctuations, e.g., in shear or amounts of inhibitor. This project aims to create a unified approach to the understanding of this problem by combining the scientific knowledge becoming increasingly available in the kinetics and mechanism of the conventional free-radical synthesis of polymer colloids with the requisite chemical engineering science (experimental and computational fluid dynamics and reactor engineering).
Current projects
Polymer colloids in natural systems
Overview
The aims of these projects are twofold. First, to apply the experimental and theoretical techniques developed for the characterization of synthetic polymer colloids, and for investigation of their behaviour in multiphase and interfacial systems, to natural polymer colloids. This will lead to the development of models for natural polymer colloid structure (e.g., molecular architecture of starch hydrocolloids) or natural polymer colloid processes (e.g., flocculation of polysaccharide particulates). Second, to carry out strategic basic research for novel applications of synthetic polymer colloids in natural systems (e.g., synthesising particles modified to have "proteinaceous" functionality on their surfaces with potential biomedical applications, and hybrid particles containing both natural and synthetic components with potential application as new "green" materials).
Current projects
Other Projects
Overview
The Centre is also involved in a number of research projects that are outside the key areas of interest.
Current projects
