Interfacial Physics Group

Interfacial Physics Group

Center for Complex Fluids Engineering

Colloids, Polymers, and Surfaces Program

In the Interfacial Physics Group, we study the origins of phenomena dominated by interfacial behavior. Such phenomena include

· wetting

· adhesion and friction

· emulsification

· colloidal forces

Presently, we focus on problems in wetting:

· the microscopic origins of contact angle hysteresis

· the unique hydrodynamics controlling dynamic wetting

· the spreading behavior of complex fluids.

Additional research programs examine:

· the role of adhesion and friction in creating stick/slip motion

· longitudinal and tangential forces in doublets of colloidal particles

· manipulation of colloidal particles by electric fields.

We use a variety of experimental techniques:

· optical microscopy and digital image analysis

· optical ellipsometry, reflectometry, and interferometry

· contact angle measurements

· atomic force microscopy

· x-ray and neutron scattering

· electrophoresis

In addition to our basic science studies, we apply our understanding to technological problems. Recent projects include

· developing instrumentation to test coatings for wettability control on windshields

· the role of wettability in processing of particle/polymer composites

· coating and chopping of fiber glass

· use of surfactants in semiconductor cleaning and ink formulations

· electrically driven particle motion for optical displays

· printing.

This applied research is often done in collaboration with industrial laboratories. We seek new collaborations with the industrial research community. Collaborations have included work with

· PPG Inc.

· Alcoa

· Graphic Arts Technical Foundation

· Air Products

· Phillips

· SEMATECH

Present Group Members

Dimitar Draganov

Stephen Garoff

Jason Hamm

Gita Seevaratnam

Kalyani Varanasi

Recent Undergraduates

Olive Stohlman

Jeff Heller

Jason Capehart

Danail Obreschko

John Prysborski

Diana Chen

Kienuwa I. Osayawe

Chris Schroeder

Present and Recent Collaborators

John Anderson, Case Western Reserve University

Enrique Rame, National Center for Microgravity Research, NASA

Robert Schumacher, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University

Robert Suter, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University

Robert Tilton, Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Lynn Walker, Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Paul Wynblatt, Material Science, Carnegie Mellon University

Former Group Members