UK Polymer Colloids Forum

Prof. Stephen A. Leharne

Professor of Environmental Chemistry

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Natural Resources Institute
University of Greenwich
Medway Campus
Pembroke
Chatham Maritime
Kent
ME4 4AW
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)181 331 9565
Fax: +44 (0)181 331 9805
e-mail: Is02@gre.ac.uk

Polymer Colloids Research Interests and Expertise

• Investigations of thermally induced aggregation in aqueous solutions of propylene oxide / ethylene oxide block copolymers and propylene oxide and ethylene oxide homopolymers. Development and use of novel thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of differential scanning calorimetry data to obtain parameters that characterise aggregation in these systems.
• Surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation. In particular our interests are focused upon the use of the polymeric surfactants in the removal of chlorinated solvents and coal tars from aquifer rocks and soils through a combination of processes including micellar solubilisation through to reductions in interfacial tensions and alterations in wetting properties of rocks.
• With Professor Martin Snowden we examine the thermal properties of microgels using high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry.

Facilities Available

A wide range of calorimetric techniques including high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (extremely useful for following aggregation transitions in dilute - usually aqueous - solutions); isothermal titration calorimetry; solution calorimetry; thermal activity monitors; differential scanning calorimetry.

Spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy

Chromatographic techniques including GC-MS, GPC, HPLC-MS

Nuclear magnetic resonance

Tensiometry, drop shape analysis for interfacial tensions and contact angle measurements, air entry pressure determinations for porous media