Johann Zank
Research
The focus of my work is the synthesis of novel surfactants using Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerisation as the method of preparation. The large library of monomers that can be used in the RAFT polymerisation process allows the synthesis of surfactants with specific properties.
The new surfactants are used for the preparation of high internal phase emulsions. The stability of the emulsions is strongly correlated with the behaviour of these surfactants (oligomers) at the oil-water, air-water interface, and in solution. In this research area neutron and X-ray reflectivity and neutron scattering are the preferred techniques for surfactant characterization.
Another area of interest is the rheology of emulsions and their behaviour as complex fluids.