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Our group is studying the behaviour of simple and of polymeric molecules at surfaces, interfaces and thin films.
The two main experimental approaches we use are Surface-force balances (SFB), and Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA). The SFB allows us to measure directly the forces between two surfaces at separations of down to only a few angstroms, with state of the art resolution and sensitivity. The NRA technique, carried out using a 3MV van de Graaff particle accelerator, allows us to probe the composition vs. depth profile in thin films of multicomponent mixtures with a resolution of a few nanometres. In addition several more conventional complementary techniques are utilised.
Using these direct
experimental approaches we have carried out fundamental studies
of the behaviour at interfaces of a large number of systems, as
indicated in the related projects and publications. Our work has
implications for a wide range of applications, including for
example colloidal stabilisation (as in pharmaceuticals,
ferrofluids, paints etc.); friction and lubrication; and wetting,
dewetting and thin film stability (as in detergents,
microlithography for integrated circuits, and conducting polymer
films).
Keywords relevant to our projects (click to go to recent related publications):
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since 06/27/99
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last updated on 09/01