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EPSRC Reference: GR/T18561/01
Title: Towards a model for pattern formation in thin-film binary mixtures
Principal Investigator: Clarke, Professor N
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Northwestern University
Department: Chemistry
Organisation: Durham, University of
Scheme: Overseas Travel Grants Pre-FEC
Starts: 01 July 2004 Ends: 31 October 2004 Value (£): 9,000
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Materials Synthesis & Growth
Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Polymeric thin films are being increasingly utilised in advanced technological applicaitons, most notably the elctronics industry. Thue usefulness of sucha films is often limited by the lack of stability of thin liquid layers on substrates. Recently, use has been made of sucha instabilitieds to create unusual microscopic structures. An understanding of stability and pattern formation in thin films is essential if the full potential for such materials is to be realised. In many technological applications the thin films of interest are comprised of more than one component, with each having a particular role to play. Often, even in the bulk, the components themselves will not be miscible at all temperatures, and will phase separated to produce elegant and useful microstructures.We will develop theories of rthe coupling of dewetting from surfaces and phase separation between components, and predict how this coupling can be utilised to control thin film morphology in binary mixtures. We will, for the first time, develop models for phase separation in ultra-thin films of binary mixtures with free surfaces.
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