Brian Love

Our laboratory is focused on several themes:

1. characterizing the structure/properties of soft gels. Here we probe the kinetics of polymerization and tracking thermophysical changes in resin attributes as a function of conversion or hydration. We have been working actively on dewatering strategies and other gel aging features. This element also includes dynamic modeling.
2. dispersions has focused on how particle dynamics in solution, stratification phenomena, adsorption phenomena on particles in dispersions, and particle-particle interactions are affected when ensembles of particles are dispersed in solution.
3. the phase structure, stability, and driving force for ordering in aqueous amphiphilic copolymers solutions and dispersions, coupled with more detailed studies of micelle formation, short range ordering, etc. These structures are often used as surfactants to solubilize drugs for liquid dispensing. Experimental work has included rheology, DSC, and SAXS.
4. biomass conversion linked with recycling, life cycle assessments, and sustainable production methods. Here, we are focused internationally, with project ideas linked with natural fiber extraction and reprocessing.