PhD project: Composite particles at liquid interfaces
Project description
Droplets stabilised by tiny solid particles (so-called Pickering emulsions) are fantastically stable; however, this can be a mixed blessing. For example, you do not want nutritious droplets failing to break-up during digestion. Having the stability, but being able to switch it off when required, would yield the ideal delivery technology. This would revolutionise the delivery of actives in food, agrochemicals, personal care and beyond. In this project, you will investigate stabilising emulsions using particles which themselves are self-assembled from small molecules (which can potentially re-disperse) it will be possible to create highly stable emulsions which become unstable when the particles are induced to fall apart. The project will begin with a study of an existing model system: water-droplets stabilized in oil using a particle-forming surfactant. The interfacial particles fall apart on gentle warming. You will determine the kinetics of particle dis-assembly and the influence it has on droplet stability. Subsequently, you will develop new systems based on this concept.
Project supervisor
- Professor Paul Clegg (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Soft Matter Physics.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.