Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R39726/01
Title:	Thin liquid films: structure, stability and syneristic behaviour.
Principal Investigator:	Bresme, Professor F
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
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Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	Imperial College London
Scheme:	Fast Stream
Starts:	01 October 2001	Ends:	30 September 2004	Value (£):	66,112
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Chemicals Food and Drink
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Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Thin films constitute the basic building blocks in biological tissues, foams and emulsions. The properties of the film can vary dramatically depending on its composition. Additives such as polyelectrolytes play an important role in vesicle interactions and adhesion in biological systems. Polymer thin films can undergo deformations providing new mechanisms for their stabilisation nevertheless, these deformations have not been considered before in existing theories. We will develop new computer simulation methodologies to describe accurately the microscopic behaviour of polymer thin films. This methodology will be used to investigate the role played by polymer electrolytes in the modification of the interactions and mechanical properties (flexibility) of the film and, on gelification processes. Other topics will include analyses of the structure of interfacial water inside the film, and polyelectrolyte properties both, in bulk and confined conditions. The influence of the film thickness on the conformational properties of polyelectrolytes and interaction forces between bilayers will also be investigated. Finally we will study the role played by surfactant-polyelectrolyte interactions determining the synergistic behaviour observed experimentally in these systems. The feasibility of computer modelling studies in predicting synergistic behaviour in different systems will be addressed as a basis for future research.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.imperial.ac.uk