Current research topics include: (i) Formation and behaviour of non-equilibrium systems such as glasses, gels or jammed states in molecular, colloidal or supramolecular systems (ii) the effect of chain conformation and shear on the dynamics of oligomers and polymers (iii) physical gelation in polymeric and colloidal systems (iv) structure and dynamics in thin polymer films and other geometrically confined systems (v) applications including the development of novel battery materials and the cryopreservation of proteins and cells.
I use experimental techniques including light, x-ray and neutron scattering, dielectric spectroscopy, rheology, calorimetry and laser scanning confocal microscopy together with a wide range of characterisation techniques including optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM and QCM.
Measurement of colloidal interaction forces between particles, e.g., emulsion droplets, via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and particle collision techniques, to enable predictions of emulsion rheology and stability, etc
Measurements of interfacial rheology and interfacial phase behaviour of adsorbed biopolymer/biosurfactant films in relation to emulsion and foam formation and stability, including use of Brewster angle microscopy
Development of methods for measuring the adsorption/desorption and conformation of biopolymers/biosurfactants at oil-water and air-water interfaces, such as Langmuir trough methods
Applications of confocal microscopy, bulk rheology and particle tracking techniques to understand the relationship between colloidal microstructure and bulk texture
Particle-stabilized foams and emulsions
Biopolymer complex formation as a route to novel encapsulation, emulsification and controlled delivery of functional food ingredients
Non-food uses of food materials in colloid and surface science technology
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