41 Sheffield University Researchers Optimise Nanolatex Production
Professor Steven Armes and his research team in the Department of Chemistry, at The University of Sheffield in the UK, are using a Zetasizer Nano from Malvern Instruments to monitor the rapid and efficient production of nanolatexes. This single instrument can determine both the particle size distribution and also monitor the zeta potential, making it an ideal characterisation tool for following the in situ synthesis of many types of polymer colloids, such as latexes, microgels or colloidal nanocomposite particles. “The Zetasizer Nano is so easy to use,” explained Professor Armes. “All my students can familiarise themselves with it very quickly. As a result, we are purchasing a second instrument to ensure we have enough capacity for our expanding research programme in this area.”
“We are making block copolymer nanolatexes directly in water using a very versatile and efficient aqueous dispersion polymerisation formulation,“ said Professor Armes. “By targeting an appropriate block composition, we can prepare spherical nanoparticles of pre-determined diameter within the technologically important 25 to 100nm size range at relatively high particle concentrations. Recently, we have extended our formulation to prepare worm-like polymer particles and hollow particles known as vesicles.” Additionally, the elecrophoretic behaviour of the Sheffield team’s nanolatexes strongly depends on the chemical nature of the polymeric stabiliser that is selected. If cationic or anionic polyelectrolytes are used, this has a profound effect on the zeta potential of the nanolatex, as confirmed using the Zetasizer Nano instrument. Professor Armes’ research group at Sheffield University also study colloidal nanocomposites, conducting polymer particles, stimulus-responsive microgels, Pickering emulsions and block copolymer self-assembly in aqueous solution.
Circle no. 141 The Four Aces of Temperature Control
Huber has a winning hand with a suite of compact, high power, low cost products. Huber offer temperature control systems to match the demands of almost any application requirement. Ranging from the Unistat Hybrid, which can be intergrated into centralised systems for large volume reactors, to small chillers, immersion and circulation thermostarts for a range of applications.
The Petite Fleur is the smallest Unistat in the range. With a temperature range of -120 to +200°C, cooling capacities of 480 Watts at 20°C it is ideal for controlling reactors and an externally open version is now available. Huber Ministats are the smallest cooling thermostats in the world. Despite their size they have enough power to thermoregulate photometers, refractometers, viscosimeters, distillation apparatus, reactor vessels etc.
The compact Minichiller has a footprint of just 225 x 360mm taking up less bench space than many laptops. With a temperature range of -20 to +40°C and cooling capacity of 300 watts at 15°C, Minichillers are ideal for a variety of laboratory applications.
The MPC range of low cost heating and cooling immersion circulators have now been improved, featuring a 4 digit temperature display with a resolution of 0.1°C. The mechanical over temperature setting has been replaced by a digital LED Display. Despite their size these units are real all-rounders, offering incredible power with small foot prints and environmentally friendly refrigeration - making them truly product aces.
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INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 - LABORATORY PRODUCTS
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