Sustainable formulations based on cellulose based colloid-nematic gels

This work is relevant to a new class of renewable and stable formulations, based on patented technology. The student will learn how to derive cellulose nanocrystals from extracted kelp cellulose under the supervision of Dr M. Dorris at Edinburgh Napier University. At the University of Edinburgh they will perform physical characterisation of the nanocrystals using SEM and characterise the nematic, or chiral nematic, solutions using cross-polariser microscopy, reflectance spectroscopy and rheology. They will explore the physics underpinning the stability of dispersions in the nematic cellulose matrix against sedimentation and coalescence and the flow behaviour and elasticity of these dispersions. The student will perform measurements with macro-algae cellulose and wood-derived cellulose that is well understood.