EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R33373/01
Title: Fluctuations and Interfaces in Confined Near -Critical Polymeric Liqued Mixtures
Principal Investigator: Sferrazza, Dr M
Other Investigators:
Young, Dr R Jones, Professor R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Surface Specialities PLC
Department: Sch of Electronics & Physical Sciences
Organisation: University of Surrey
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2004 Value (£): 72,502
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Electronics
Related Grants:
GR/R33380/01
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
06 Feb 2001 Structural Materials - Feb 01 Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
We plan to study the phase behaviour and interfacialproperties of confined liquid mixtures, primarily using polyolefins of controlled chain architecture as model liquids and a thin film geometry to provide confinement. Advnaces in polymer synthesis allow us to make pairs of polymers with precisely controlled molefular weight and thermodynamic interaction, while neutron reflectivity allows us to characterise internal interfaces within the thin films with sub-nanometer resolution. An experimental program is planned which will allow us to answer fundamental questions about the phase behaviour of confined liquid mixtures. These include how the width of the interface depends on the distance from critically both in situations where mean field theory is likely to be accurated and hwnen b7ulk compostion fgluctuations are improtand, how the interface is modified by interfacial fluctuations and how these flucturations are themselves modifiedin confined systems by long-range and truncation forces, how surface fields affect the structure of the films, and how equilibrium is reached when the system is prepared in non-equilibrium state and allowed to evolve.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk