Soft Matter Physics

We investigate the physics of soft matter systems – materials that include liquid crystals, polymers and biopolymers, glasses, composites, gels and colloids. Our work is primarily experimental; we explore the fundamental properties of soft materials and link our discoveries to applications and devices.  Recent highlights include discovering a synthetic molecular auxetic material (its thickness increases when strained); producing lightweight, strong, single-component composites from sustainable resources; and finding gel solutions for Li+ batteries.

Real-world and scientific impact

We publish our research in top journals and translate our findings to the industry. For example, our cost-effective process for manufacturing lightweight, high-impact resistant polymer composites (Curv®) was commercialised in applications including Samsonite luggage and anti-ballistic body armour. Our research into switchable focus contact lenses led to the formation of the spin-out company Dynamic Vision Systems Ltd. The group collaborates with Merck chemicals on Non-Display Applications of Liquid Crystals, which has led to innovations including polarization-insensitive switchable liquid crystal lenses. We also work iwth DisplayData, QioptiQ and Ultravison on liquid crystals and their applications; Victrex and Propex on polymer composites; QinetiQ and Polystore on polymer gel electrolytes for lithium battery applications; Innovia Films on cellulose processing.

Facilities

We have superb experimental facilities to evaluate, characterise, and test soft materials and devices and a clean-room prototyping laboratory equipped for processing glass devices for use with liquid crystal-based and other soft-matter devices.

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) including temperature modulation,
• Mechanical testing (Fracture, creep, modulus Impact testing), Rheology (Strain - and stress-controlled shear rheology), Dynamic Mechanical Testing (Tension and torsion),
• Optical microscopy (Image analysis, polarising and UV, laser tweezers), 3D Photon correlation spectroscopy and Raman microscopy.
• Electro-optic and device addressing analysis, Broadband Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy,
• X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (400MHz solid state, Imaging, diffusion and rheology).

Research team

• Professor Helen F Gleeson OBE FInstP
• Professor Mike E Ries
• Dr Johan Mattsson
• Dr Peter Hine
• Dr Mamatha Nagaraj
• Dr Daniel Baker   
• Dr Devesh Mistry
• Dr Richard Mandle

Fellowship opportunities

The SMP group will welcome and support fellowship applications to external funders in all experimental, theoretical, and computational soft matter physics areas that align with the UKRI strategy “Building a Green Future”.

If you are interested in our fellowship opportunities, please contact Head of Group Professor Mike Ries.

Further information