The aim of this Faraday Partnership project is to develop a quantitative theory of the mechanism of adsorption in strongly interacting polymer-surfactant mixtures. A mathematical model linking the surface tension and adsorption behaviour with the bulk phase behaviour will provide a sound quantitative basis for interpretation of experimental data. The resulting understanding will have direct relevance to the formulation, processing and use of fabric conditioners, detergents and shampoo.

Project staff and support

Christopher Bell (Postgraduate Faraday Associate, University of Oxford)
Peter Howell (Academic supervisor, University of Oxford)
Chris Breward (Academic supervisor, University of Oxford)
Jeff Penfold (Industrial supervisor, CCLRC)
David Allwright (Technology Translator, Smith Institute)

This project is being carried out at the University of Oxford, in conjunction with CCLRC. It is supported by an EPSRC industrial CASE award, made available through the Faraday Partnership for Industrial Mathematics. Start date: October 2004; duration: 3 years.