Synthesis of (co)polymers via controlled radical polymerisation (NMP, RAFT and ATRP) or ‘click’ chemistry.
Synthesis of organic colloids via radical polymerisation in a dispersed medium.
Surface chemistry and functionalisation.
Development of macromolecular systems: block copolymers and composition gradient copolymers, dynamic micelles, complex colloids, microgels, hybrids
Stimulus-triggered self-assembly in aqueous solution.
Bulk and thin-film self-assembly controlled by the process (‘breath figure’, microwaves, controlled-rate solvent evaporation).
Multi-scale characterisation: from the local scale (two-dimensional NMR and dipole interaction, force spectroscopy) to the macroscopic scale (via rheology, surface energy, wettability and photonics). including the mesoscopic scale (light scattering, X-rays and neutrons), and the (sub)micrometre scale (AFM/electron microscopy and ellipsometry).
Biomimicry and bio-inspired materials/processes.
Research interests
Directed self-assembly of functional building blocks: block copolymers using a bio-inspired ‘breath figure’ process (hierarchically structured films) or a microwave process (nano-oriented thin films).
Gels & Microgels: reversible self-assembly of gradient copolymers in solution for a triggered sol-gel transition and spontaneous self-assembly of microgels for the formation of functional films/patches.
Bio-resource utilisation: synthesis of new terpene-based acrylic polymers and bio-inspired assembly/surface functionalisation of natural lignocellulosic and marine polymers for the development of functional composite materials.
Polymer chemistry and physical chemistry self-assembly stimulable systems hierarchical structuring bio-resources biomimicry bio-inspiration
IPREM UMR5254 UPPA/CNRS
Physico-chemistry of surfaces and polymer materials Cluster
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