They are fascinating polymers that self assemble into intricate structures, with sizes of the order of nanometres. We are working on many cutting edge projects in polymer science, ranging from block copolymer gels for drug delivery systems to new high resolution liquid crystal displays. Several postdoctoral researchers are working in our well equipped laboratories at any one time. The environment for research is lively and stimulating, with numerous visits from collaborating researchers nationally and internationally. Applications Block copolymers form gels in solvents that are good for one of the blocks.
Most applications stem from copolymers that form micelles in water.
They are made industrially on a large scale and are cheap and easy to work with. Dr Hamley's group has an outstanding record of research in this area, as indicated by research grant income and publications. I.W.Hamley, J.A.Pople, J.P.A.Fairclough, N.J.Terrill, A.J.Ryan, C.Booth, G.-E.Yu, O.Diat, K.Almdal, K.Mortensen and M.Vigild, J. Chem. Cubic phase formed by packing micelles in a copolymer gel Structure Investigation Block copolymer gels form nanoscale structures, i.e. the lattice size is about 1 - 10 nm. In SAXS, a beam of x-rays is scattered by the sample, and produces a diffraction pattern at small angles.