Non-aqueous gels for personal care applications

We will characterise fluid/gel phase behaviour of non-aqueous mixtures of polymers, surfactants and inorganic particles. Define model system in terms of solvent (glycerol and others), polymers (PEG, PAA, Xanthan) & Mw, surfactants and concentrations.
Undertake rheological & structural studies using SAXS, light scattering, microscopy and rheology of binary mixtures of glycerol & polymers, glycerol & surfactants & then ternary and more complex mixtures.
Characterise solid surfaces and adsorption of polymers & surfactants thereon. Define model system based on ingredients such as CaSi, Si02 and hydroxyapatite (HAP). Monitor adsorption of individual polymers and surfactants by XRD, XPS and QCM
Characterise mixtures of solid & liquid components through rheological & structural studies using SAXS, light scattering, microscopy and rheology of model mixtures. Measure conductivity as a function of ion concentrations, seek to understand what conductivity and zeta-potential mean in terms of anhydrous systems. And make in-situ studies of HAP formation by XRD and conductivity.