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 fundamental properties of soft materials and link our discoveries to applications and devices.  Recent highlights include: the discovery of 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

As well as publishing our research in top journals, we translate our findings to 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, leading 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 glass device processing 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
• Dr Mike Ries
• Dr Johan Mattsson
• Dr Peter Hine
• Dr Mamatha Nagaraj
• Dr Daniel Baker   
• Dr Devesh Mistry
• Dr Richard Mandle

Further information