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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L12066/01
Title: POLYMER/SURFACTANT INTERACTIONS AT POLYMER/WATER INTERFACES BY SPECTROSCOPIC ELLIPSOMETRY
Principal Investigator: Keddie, Professor JL
Other Investigators:
Lu, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
AstraZeneca
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Surrey
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 04 November 1996 Ends: 03 November 1999 Value (£): 177,530
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
A primary function of latex coatings is to prevent damage to, and corrosion of, wood and metal caused by contact with water. Surfactants are known to alter the water permeability of a latex, but the reasons why are only conjectured. In some cases, the presence of surfactants decreases water permeability, but in other cases, it enhances it. We propose to use spectroscopic ellipsometry to study polymer/surfactant interactions (adsorption, penetration, solubilisation and plasticisation) at and near polymer/water interfaces and to determine the kinetics of latex film formation with and without post-added surfactant. We will relate our findings to film permeability and performance. Ellipsometry is a lab-based optical technique that is highly sensitive to compositional profiles and small dimensional changes. It has the advantage of being quick, non-invasive, and experimentally suitable for a variety of materials and geometries. Our work will lead to the more intelligent use of surfactants in the manufacture of latex. Moreover, development of the ellipsometric technique for the study of the polymer/water interface is of general interest in polymer and colloid science.
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Organisation Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk