The cryogenic-Transmission Electron Microscope (cryo-TEM) image below shows smaller vesicles within a multilamellar vesicle.
These surfactant/emulsifiers do not possess a cloud point, yet demonstrate cmc's (critical micelle concentrations) similar to surfactants that do. These materials are being studied as emulsifiers for cosmetic formulations, foam stabilizing surfactants for polyurethane foams, and water dispersible polyurethane mold-release agents. Our project involves organic and inorganic synthesis via standard laboratory and industrial (pressurized reactor) techniques, characterization via NMR, IR, UV, GPC, HPLC, Si-H determination, particle size determination via laser light scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, surface energy and viscosity determination, computational methods, and is done in collaboration with various university and industrial partners.
