University of Birmingham > Talks@bham > Physics and Astronomy Colloquia  > Scattering from Soft Matter: Understanding Structure from the Molecular to the Macroscopic.

Scattering from Soft Matter: Understanding Structure from the Molecular to the Macroscopic.

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

  • UserAnnela Seddon, University of Bristol
  • ClockWednesday 08 February 2023, 16:00-17:00
  • House Physics West, W117.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Yeshpal Singh.

Low molecular weight gels are formed by the self-assembly of small molecules into flexible fibres, which when subsequently undergo entanglement and cross-linking to form a gel. Functionalised dipeptide molecules are a popular initial building block to make these gels, as their gelation behaviour can be controlled by a pH trigger. However, predicting which molecules will be successful gelators is extremely challenging; however a first step to this is to have a precise and detailed understanding of the hierarchical structures of these materials in their solution stated, during gelation, and in their fully hydrated and gelled state. In this talk I will show how small angle x-ray and neutron scattering can be used to probe these structures and show how seemingly small changes in molecular functionality can lead to dramatic changes in structures. Furthermore, that through the information which can be gained by understanding the interactions between these objects in the semi-dilute regime, predictions about their bulk properties can be made. This leads to enhanced processability of these soft materials, for example to form macroscopic fibres which have potential applications as biomaterials.

This talk is part of the Physics and Astronomy Colloquia series.

Tell a friend about this talk:

This talk is included in these lists:

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.

 

Talks@bham, University of Birmingham. Contact Us | Help and Documentation | Privacy and Publicity.
talks@bham is based on talks.cam from the University of Cambridge.