PhD studentships
Studies of Water-Soluble Polymers in Emulsion Polymerisations
Emulsion polymerisation [1] is a very important method of free-radical polymerisation which produces stable colloidal dispersions of particulate polymer (typically 0.1–0.5 µm diameter) in water, known as latexes.
Latexes are usually stabilised with surfactants, but in the surface coatings and adhesives industries, water-soluble polymers are often used as the principal colloid stabilisers. They act by providing steric or electrosteric stabilisation and also facilitate control of latex rheology. In order to control latex properties, it is essential to understand
- (i) how water-soluble polymers affect particle nucelation and polymerisation kinetics, and
- (ii) the mechanisms by which they can become grafted to the surfaces of latex particles.
This project will build on our previous research and will investigate the effects of polymerisation process, water-soluble polymer composition and molar mass, and monomer composition on the control of latex properties.
References
- 1. P.A. Lovell and M.S. El-Aasser (Eds.), Emulsion Polymerization and Emulsion Polymers, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1997
Eligibility
At least 2(i) (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline
Funding
DTA (for those eligible) - 3 year PhD
Start Date
Open
How to Apply
You can apply for postgraduate opportunities online quoting phd/07/matsci43, or for further information, please contact:
Tel: 0161 306 3568
Email: peter.lovell@manchester.ac.uk