12/2/2023 0 Comments Dr. tom aaron webberJ., Physicochemical behaviour of cationic polyelectrolyte brushes. J., Influence of molecular weight on PNIPAM brush modified colloidal silica particles. This work has been supported by Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP110100041 and more than 25 succesful proposals for access to beamlines at the OPAL research reactor at the Australian Neutron Science and Technology Organisation. Recent research has developed multi-responsive systems, producing copolymer brushes that respond to both temperature and pH changes opening a rich new avenue for control material properties. Our research was the first to directly confirm the two-phase collapse of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brushes using neutron reflectometry. In this way we are able to better engineer a surface or interface to meet a specific end-use application, such as a temperature dependent rheology modifier. This process is water-based, has low energy requirements, and offers enhanced control of the three-dimensional structure of the coating. We produce stimulus-responsive polymer coatings using surface initiated polymerisation via a process known as activators-continuously regenerated atom transfer radical polymerisation (ARGET ATRP). The nanoscale switches in morphology impact macroscale behaviour, such as contact angle and wettability. These coatings change their structure at a molecular level in response to external stimuli such as solution pH, temperature or salt concentration. Polymers and Polymer Brush Coatings - I have an extensive track record in the production and characterisation of stimulus-responsive polymer thin-film coatings. In collaboration with other researchers we utilise modelling, simulation and quantum-chemical computational methods to further characterise and describe these phenomena. I use highly sensitive techniques such as neutron reflection and scattering, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance and light scattering combined with larger scale methods such as contact angle, interfacial tension, rheology and particle settling stability measurements to link nanoscale and bulk behaviours. By combining the disciplines of chemical engineering and physical chemistry my research aims to solve real-world problems through the application of fundamental science. My research deploys engineered surfaces and interfaces to control material properties. My research combines cutting-edge experiments and precision modelling and simulation methods to study colloidal and interfacial phenomena with relevance to personal care products, pharmaceuticals, the minerals industry, water treatment, micro- and nanomechanical devices, food production and biomedical device manufacture. ![]() ![]() I am a mid-career research chemical engineer, working across discipline boundaries to uncover the links between nanoscale behaviours and macroscale properties.
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