Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2021/ 12071-6: Masuko Grinder (shear mill and rotary micro pulverizer)

Abstract

This project aims at achieving controlled association of varied colloids through either hydrophobic, electrostatic, or covalent bonds (or their combination) to tailor their characteristics, preferably in a reversible fashion. The envisaged functional colloidal objects span from surfactant and/or polymer aggregates, to nanoparticles of inorganic nature (mostly silica) or derived from renewable nanomaterials such as nanocelluloses, nanolignins, and nanochitins. The processes to be investigated include the preparation of polymer/surfactant aggregates for encapsulation of biomolecules and model drugs, preparation of nanomaterials under confinement, rheological control of fluids, model systems for bioactive materials, responsive polymers, and multiscale association materials. In summary, we are proposing a series of studies to be jointly developed by a group of researchers of wide expertise, with the common focus on understanding how colloidal systems may be tailored to achieve new properties and functionalities. (AU)