Responsive Smart Materials and Systems in Consumer Goods

Smart responsive materials/systems in this context are primarily, but not exclusively,
aqueous dispersions and adsorbed layers of polymers, surfactants, particles and self
assembled combinations which respond to their in use applications environment to
change functionality or deliver a specific effect or active at the right time at the correct
locus.
Reckitt Benckiser requires this technology to remain competitive and to future proof
its product range. Reckitt Benckiser is the world's largest producer of branded
household cleaning and disinfecting products and also has a large range of OTC
pharmaceutical and personal care products e.g. Dettol, Nurofen, Calgon, Harpic,
Air Wick, Strepsils, Lysol, Clearasil, etc. The company turns over in excess of £5bn
and is headquartered in Slough, UK and is in the top 25 companies listed on the FTSE
100. The company sells products into some 170 countries and has a network of ca. 42
global production sites. The largest R&D facility and the largest pharmaceutical
factory in the group is located in Hull. -
Reckitt Benckiser will transfer IP knowledge and Know How from its expert
University contractors in this field into its own laboratories, and will consequently
develop applications IP and ultimately products.
The focus will be on targeted and controlled release/delivery from smart systems of
actives e.g. surfactants, biocides, surface modifYing agents and enzymes in domestic
dish/laundry machines and onto biological/household surfaces.