Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/C509730/1
Title:	Real-Time Tracking Of Dispersion Of Nanoparticles In Reactive Polymeric Systems
Principal Investigator:	Partridge, Professor IK
Other Investigators:	Kazilas, Dr MC
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Dr DDR Cartie
Project Partners:	Aztec Group Hyperion Catalysis International
Department:	Sch of Industrial and Manufacturing Scie
Organisation:	Cranfield University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 January 2005	Ends:	31 March 2008	Value (£):	247,549
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
There is a high level of public awareness surrounding the potential exploitation of novel nanoparticles, incorporated into a variety of polymers to form so called 'nanocomposites'. Such nanocomposites are expected to exhibit a range of novel and advantageous properties, in a wide spectrum of applications. What is generally much less understood is that, for the attractive properties to be achieved, the nanoparticles need to be extremely well spatially separated from each other within the solid blend. This level of spatial separation (dispersion) is difficult to achieve in a large percentage of the possible nanoparticle - polymer combinations. There is currently no means of monitoring how well the dispersion is being achieved during the preparation of the blend - the present proposal addresses that issue. We intend to exploit our deep knowledge of dielectric phenomena in polymers to ascertain if our existing monitoring and modelling techniques can be modified to follow dispersion of nanoparticles in those polymers which start from liquid, turn into a rubber and eventually into a hard solid by an irreversible chemical process. A part of the research will concentrate on a novel way of achieving a high level of nanoparticle dispersion into aerospace grade resins; this activity will also ensure a carefully controlled supply of samples for the main monitoring activity. Alongside the main activities we will need to adapt and develop ways of visualising and recording the achieved spatial separation of nanoparticles, throughout the process.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cranfield.ac.uk