Research Interests

• Direct Measurement of Surface Forces
  • The long-range hydrophobic attraction
  • Interaction forces between surfaces bearing adsorbed surfactants and polymers
  • Adhesion
  • Cavitation between hydrophobic surfaces
  • Dynamic Force Measurements
    • Nanorheology
• Nanomechanics
  • Oscillatory force measurements on a nanoscale
• Proximal Adsorption
  • Experimental measurement of changes in surface excess as a function of surface separation
• Adsorption Behaviour of Surfactant and Polymer Systems
  • Adsorption kinetics
  • Surface Conformation
  • Surface rearrangments, structure and kinetics
• Boundary Slip in Newtonian Systems
  • Influence of surface roughness on boundary slip
  • Influence of surface wettability on boundary slip
• Nano-Rheology : Oscillatory Force Measurements
  • Hydrodynamic measurements using oscillatory motion
  • Visco-elastic response of adsorbed films
  • Visco-elastic response of single molecules undergoing extension
• Bubble Coalescence
  • Specific-ion effects in bubble coalescence
  • Bubble Coalescence in Sugar solutions
  • Bubble particle interactions
  • Thin film stability and rupture
  • Bubbles in ultrasound imaging
• Surface Tension of Aqueous electrolyte solutions
  • Adsorption of ions at interfaces
• Gassing Emulsions

Experimental Expertise

Atomic Force Microscope

• Extensive experience in the use and modification of commercial Atomic Force Microscopes
  • Nanorheology measurements with an AFM
  • Surface Force Measurements using an AFM
  • Contact, Friction and Tapping mode imaging using an AFM
  • Trained in excess of 15 users in the operation of an AFM
• Designed, Built and Used a purpose built instrument for Colloidal Force Measurement (LLIFE)

Brewster Angle Microscopy

• Designed and Built a Brewster Angle Microscope for the imaging of surfactant domains at interfaces

Surface Plasmon Resonance

• Designed and Built a Surface Plasmon Resonance Apparatus for the evaluation of adsorption at interfaces

Optical Reflectometer

• Commisioned and developed an Optical Reflectometer with Stagnant Point Flow Cell

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

• Skilled in the unassisted use of an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

Quartz Crystal Microbalance

• Skilled in the use of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Surface Tensiometer

• Designed and Built an automated Maximum Bubble Pressure Surface Tensiometer
• Experience in the use of Du Nuoy Ring, Wilhelmy plate, Maximum Bubble Pressure and RIFS techniques for the measurement of surface tension.

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