Feel the sensation of emulsion polymerization

Master students at the University of Warwick registered on the Polymer MSc programmes were treated to an exciting labday by BonLab packed with polymer and colloid science. In the true spirit of "feel the sensation of emulsion polymerization", a slogan ascribed to dr. Harold Schoonbrood and originating from the research group of Anton German at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the 1990s, the students were fascinated by hands-on synthesis of a polymer latex and its particle size characterization.

Master students on the Polymer MSc programmes feel the sensation of emulsion polymerization, organized by prof.dr.ir. Stefan Bon with research members of BonLab

Every student carried out their own emulsion polymerization under guidance of prof.dr.ir. Stefan Bon and two of the research members of the BonLab, Brooke Longbottom and Andrea Lotierzo. Emulsion polymerization is a process of high industrial relevance, with applications of the resulting polymer colloids in coatings/adhesives, construction, personal and household care, energy and health. The latex particles made by the participants were analysed by both dynamic light scattering, a technique relying on the random Brownian motion of the latex particles dispersed in water, and hands-on scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Andrea Lotierzo, a PhD researcher in BonLab, works together with students on the characterization of a polymer latex with dynamic light scattering (DLS).

The labday formed part of a postgraduate module on colloidal materials taught by prof.dr.ir. Stefan Bon. He says: "We at BonLab are delighted to give students hands-on experience in the fabrication and analysis of polymer colloids. This area is of tremendous value in the design of innovative materials, and it is key that the underlying knowledge is transferred to the next generation of scientists."  

Hands-on scanning electron microscopy training was provided by BonLab to the master students on the Polymer MSc programmes at the University of Warwick

More information:

please contact prof.dr.ir. Stefan A. F. Bon directly.

Images are courtesy of BonLab and taken by Junxin Chen (FEB2017).

Join Bonlab as a PhD student

2 PhD Studentships

Polymer and Colloid Chemical Engineering

Department of Chemistry

The University of Warwick (http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/chemistry).

You will be working in the research group of prof.dr.ir. Stefan A. F. Bon, the BonLab (http://www.bonlab.info), on an exciting 4 year project in collaboration with industry in the area of polymer and colloid science. We study the chemistry and physics of colloidal systems in which molecular and/or colloidal entities can be assembled into more complex supracolloidal structures, with the aim to produce innovative advanced materials . Each project will span synthesis of particles and macromolecules with a design tailored to provide function, the development of methods to (self)-organise colloidal matter, and the fabrication and characterization of advanced colloidal materials of use in a variety of industrial applications.

Enquiries, which should include a CV with the names of two referees, should be made to prof.dr.ir. Stefan A. F Bon (s.bon@warwick.ac.uk)

Requirements:

An eligible student must hold, or be predicted to obtain, at least a 2.1 4-year degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent scientific discipline. Exceptional students with a 3 year BSc degree only will be considered. This studentship is open to UK and EU nationals and those of equivalent status* (fees paid, plus annum stipend). Availability is for 4 years beginning on 1st October 2016.

*Please note - ELIGIBILITY - We can only offer the stipend to UK citizens who have lived in the UK for over 3 years (e.g. as a student), or EU nationals. Applicants from outside the EU are not eligible for this post due to restrictions on funding.

Join BonLab as a PhD Student

You will be working in the research team of prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F. Bon (www.bonlab.info) on a collaborative project with industry in the area of polymer and colloid science. The project will deal with the development of stabilisers and porosity control agents for heterogeneous polymerization processes, with a focus on emulsion polymerization. 

Enquiries, which should include a CV with the names of two referees, should be made to prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F. Bon (s.bon@warwick.ac.uk).

Requirements:

You must hold, or be predicted to obtain, a first class degree (2.1 may be considered) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Physics, ideally with some experience in polymer and/or colloid science. This studentship is open to UK and EU nationals and those of equivalent status. Applicants from outside the EU are not eligible for this post due to restrictions on funding.

Start date: As soon as possible from now.