Probing Structural Order in Concentrated Dispersions of Block Copolymer Worms using SAXS

This PhD studentship is focused on the synthesis and characterisation of block copolymer nanoparticles via polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA). Syntheses will involve reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation while characterisation techniques will include transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamiclight scattering (DLS), rheology and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). In particular, we wish to examine the alignment of highly anisotropic diblock copolymer worms in concentrated solution. SAXS will be used to assess the degree of local order that can be achieved both during the PISA synthesis of the worms and also during their serial dilution. We will examine whether such order is a generic property of block copolymer worm dispersions or whether it is only exhibited by a sub-set of PISA formulations. This research project requires a well-motivated, highly numerate student who is equally adept at synthetic polymer chemistry and soft matter characterisation using state-of-the-art techniques. Prof. Steve Armes will supervise the synthetic aspects of this PhD project while Dr. Oleksandr Mykhaylyk will supervise the SAXS studies, which will involve using a world-class £871K Excillum-Xenocs instrument located within the Chemistry Department. The student will also have access to four rheometers and three DLS instruments.

Applications are invited from UK graduates either holding or expecting to receive a first-class honours degree in Chemistry or a related Chemistry major.