Research

Soft Matter

Soft matter research within the department deals with a vast array of macromolecules, from their synthesis to their interactions at a microscopic level.

Soft materials, man made and naturally occurring, are ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Their benefits lie in the possibility of controlling their properties by engineering their composition, architecture and functionality. We achieve this by developing novel synthetic methods, studying their assembly and interactions on a molecular level and thus identifying potential applications. Some key examples include: controlled synthesis of stimuli responsive polymers for imaging and sensing applications; functionalised polyesters for improved wound dressings; nanocomposite coatings with antibacterial properties; assessing the environmental impact of degradable plastics.

Activities we address include but are not limited to:

Polymers for aqueous viscosity modification
Polymeric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents
Self-assembly of functional polymers in solution and in bulk
Block copolymers for compatibilisation of blends
Catalyst/co-catalyst design for controlled synthesis of polyolefins and polyesters
Development of supported catalysts for in-situ polymerisation to form composites
Characterisation of molecular architecture using various scattering and spectroscopic techniques
Synthesis of hydrogels for targeted appications
Polymers from renewable resources
Introduction of functional fillers to modify material properties
Biodegradable polymers, polymer weathering and degradation
Surface polymerisation and thin films
Interfacial adhesion enhancement and adhesion failure
Self-assembly of polymer colloids and nanocomposites
Polymers with tuneable wettability and adhesion

Disentangled Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, having molar mass greater than a million g/mol is an engineering polymer that is used for demanding applications ranging from body armour to the replacement of hip- and knee-joints. The chain-of-knowledge approach of our research, that combines chemistry with physics, rheology and processing, has allowed to develop a unique polymer that could be processed, solvent-free, to make tapes and films of unprecedented tensile modulus and strength. The process is commercially and environmentally attractive and has been developed further by the company Teijin Aramid, NL.

Structured Antibacterial Coatings

As a paint coating dries out, it is possible to control the distribution of tiny particles that are dispersed in it and select which ones will end up at the top surface. By choosing the appropriate type of these small particles, it is possible to confer a certain functionality to the coating surface. We are currently exploiting this effect to design and fabricate coatings with reduced adhesion and bactericidal capability.

The technology has attracted interest from several of the most relevant companies in the paints and coatings sector and we are working with them to develop new products and applications.