Our research encompasses petroleum-derived and bio-based polymers, minerals and composites.

We routinely apply quantitative vibrational spectroscopy and thermoanalytical methods to characterise the innovative materials under investigation.

The interests of the Polymers, Composites and Spectroscopy Group (PCAS) encompass polymers, minerals and composites.

The group routinely applies quantitative vibrational spectroscopy and thermoanalytical methods to characterise the innovative materials under investigation.

Representative research areas include

• fire retardant and barrier properties of clay polymer nanocomposites
• transport mechanisms in polymeric and composite systems
• thermal and biodegradation of polymers and composites
• crystallisation and deformation behaviour of polymers
• gelation mechanisms of polymers
• novel sand consolidation chemistry for use in oil wells
• the use of surface restructured clays as catalysts ad sorbents
• raman studies of the early stage hydration of cements