BSMS-NANOCOMPLEXES · Bulk and surface properties and nanocomplexes of macromolecules and surfactants
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2004-02-01 → 2005-01-31
- EU contribution
- €31,652
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- ERG
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - BSMS-NANOCOMPLEXES (Bulk and Surface Properties and Nanocomplexes of Macromolecules and Surfactants)
The study of the effects of charge density and molecular architecture of polymers on their interactions with oppositely charged surfactants revealed the specific role of the branched nature of the polyelectrolyte in the mechanism of surfactant binding. These investigations also resulted in new routes of fabrication and characterisation of novel types of stable polyelectrolyte / surfactant nanoparticles. The other objective of the research was to explore the effect of polymer molecular weight on the macromolecule / surfactant interaction. A unique structure of polymer / surfactant aggregates in the low and middle molecular weight range of the macromolecules was demonstrated for the first time. Therefore, these results can be considered as significant seps in the understanding of the internal structure of polymer / surfactant nanocomplexes. The generated knowledge can be used to design novel nanocomplexes of macromolecules and surfactants with tailored structure and properties. Relying on the industrial links of the researcher it can be expected that these results can initiate novel industrial applications of low and middle molecular weight polymers as well as polymer/surfactant mixtures with decreased contents of expensive and environmentally unfriendly ionic surfactants. In addition to the main objectives, new research lines also emerged during the grant period. These include the development of a novel surfactant selective electrode, the fabrication of a new cell for dynamic surface tension and interfacial rheology measurements as well as a pioneering study of the role of isotope effect in the oppositely charged weak polyelectrolyte / surfactant systems. Last but not least, the researcher was able to incorporate the generated new results into the training system of the host institution via developing a new seminar and special laboratory exercises. The achievements of the project played a crucial role in the researcher visualisations appointment until 2007 in the host institution and they can pave the way for his successful reintegration in Hungary as well as for a permanent position in the host institution.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Macromolecules and surfactants are used in a range of products, particularly in household and personal care products. The main objective of the proposal is to obtain increased fundamental understanding of these technologically relevant systems. The forma tion of bulk and interfacial nanocomplexes in macromolecule/surfactant systems will be investigated by modern experimental methods and thermodynamic modelling. These studies will result in a significant gain in the understanding of the role of charge de nsity, molecular architecture and molecular weight of the polymer in the polymer/surfactant interaction and interfacial behaviour. We also aim at a deeper insight into the correlation between the interfacial and bulk solution properties of these mixtures , which currently is a rather poorly understood topic with paramount importance. The gained comprehensive understanding will allow a rational use of polymer-surfactant complexes in applications as well as provide new innovative routes in the nanoscience . The project will also contribute to the gradual process of replacing systems used today with polymer-surfactant systems. This will be beneficial for the environment and thus for the society as a whole. The largest environmental gain is expected to com e from novel cleaning formulations replacing the excessive current use of surfactants in such formulations. The new knowledge obtained will, however, be equally important for applications such as responsive surface coatings, biotechnology, novel self-as sembled nanostructures, and personal care products. The present proposal will build on the achievements of Róbert Mészáros recent Marie-Curie Fellowship in bulk and interfacial polyelectrolyte/surfactant interaction. The successful accomplishments of th e project will pave the way for the professional reintegration of the candidate researcher in Hungary as well as for a permanent position in the host institution.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- EOETVOES LORAND UNIVERSITY · BUDAPESTCoordinatorCity levelHungary
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union