We are examining the structure and transport properties of microemulsions, with the goal of developing a better understanding to guide design. Applications include the use of microemulsions in many products ranging from cleaners, and agricultural or personal care products to pharmaceuticals. Of special interest are formulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of solvents and surfactants, including the use of supercritical solvents. The major tools are scattering experiments, both quasielastic light scattering (QLS) and small-angle neutron (SANS) and x-ray (SAXS) scattering.

We are also working to understand the properties of microemulsions governing their use a substrates for polymer synthesis, and substantial work is directed towards measuring and predicting latex sizes and polydispersities, polymer molecular weights, and reaction kinetics. The interactions of colloidal particles and microemulsion droplets or micelles are also being examined with applications to problems of colloidal stabilization.

Recent and Current Researchers:
Maïder Labourt-Ibarre
   
Selected Publications:
  • "Effect of Multiple Scattering on SANS Spectra from Bicontinuous Microemulsions", A. Silas and E. W. Kaler, J. Colloid and Interface Sci., 257, 291 (2003).
  • "The Phase Behavior and Microstructure of Efficient Cationic-Nonionic Microemulsions", J. A. Silas and E. W. Kaler, J. Colloid and Interface Sci., 243, 248 (2001).
  • "Effect of Didodecyldimethylammonium Bromide on the Phase Behavior of Nonionic Surfactant-Silicone Oil Microemulsions", J. A. Silas, E. W. Kaler and R. M. Hill, Langmuir, 17, 4534 (2001).
  • "Small-Angle Scattering of Interacting Particles. III. D2O- C12E5 Mixtures and Micro-emulsions with n-Octane", J. Brunner-Popela, R. Mittelbach, R. Strey, K. -V. Schubert, E. W. Kaler and O. Glatter, J. Chem. Phys., 110, 10623 (1999).
  • "Particle Size and Monomer Partitioning in Microemulsion Polymerization 2. Online Small Angle Neutron Scattering Studies", Macromolecules, 31, 3203 (1998).
  • "Effect of Alkyl Sulfates on the Phase Behavior and Microstructure of Alkyl Polyglucoside Microemulsions", L. D. Ryan and E. W. Kaler, J. Phys. Chem. B, 39, 7549 (1998).
  • "Particle Size and Monomer Partitioning in Microemulsion Polymerization 1. Calculation of the Particle Size Distribution", Macromolecules, 31, 3197(1998).
  • "The Role of Oxygenated Oils in n-Alkyl b-D-Monoglucoside Microemulsion Phase Behavior", Langmuir, 13, 5222 (1997).
  • "Microstructure Properties of Alkyl Polyglucoside Microemulsions", L. D. Ryan and E. W. Kaler, Langmuir, 15, 92 (1999).
  • "Phase Behavior of Microemulsions Made with n-Alkyl Monoglucosides and n-Alkyl Polyglycol Ethers", Langmuir, 13, 1510 (1997).
  • "A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Water in Carbon Dioxide Microemulsions", Langmuir, 13, 3934 (1997).
  • "Kinetics and Mechanism of Microemulsion Polymerization of Hexyl Methacrylate", Macromolecules, 30, 1897 (1997).
  • "Microemulsifying Fluorinated Oils", Colloids and Surfaces, 84, 97 (1994).
Patents:
  • "Microemulsion Polymerization Systems and Coated Materials Made Therefrom", US Patent 5,376,441 and US Patent 5,385,694.
  • "Process for Coating Microporous Substrates and Products Therefrom", US Patent 5,460,872.
  • "Microemulsion Polymerization Systems and Coated Materials Made Therefrom", US Patent 5,539,047.
  • "Aqueous Microemulsions", US Patent 6,165,962.
  • "Single Phase Silicone and Water Compositions", US Patent 6,013,683.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.