Dr. Michael O'Brien

Head of School of Polymer Technology

University of North London
166-220 Holloway Road
London
N7 8DB
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 7753 5128
Fax: +44 (0)20 7753 5081
e-mail: m.obrien@unl.ac.uk
www: http://www.unl.ac.uk/spt/

Polymer Colloids Research Interests and Expertise

Emulsion polymerization.
Preparation and characterization of novel initiator/stabilizers for emulsion polymerization.
Kinetic studies of emulsion polymerization.
Characterization of the polymers prepared, e.g. particle size and molecular weight distributions.
Preparation and characterization of polysoaps and their applications in emulsion polymerization.
Characterization of polymers prepared from emulsion systems using polysoaps as emulsifiers/stabilizers.
Natural rubber latexes.
Grafting of natural rubber latexes.
Leaching and humidity studies on pre-vulcanised natural rubber latex films.

Facilities Available

Characterization equipment	Processing equipment
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy	Rheology measurement
Coulter counter particle size measurement	Injection moulding
Differential scanning calorimetry DSC 7	Extrusion
Thermogravimetry	Vacuum forming
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis	Extruded blown film
Gel permeation chromatography	Blow moulding
Vapour pressure osmometry	Testing equipment
Molecular weight determination	Tensile testing
Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements	Impact testing
Atomic absorption spectroscopy	Rheometer
	Hardness testing