Science

Research

Centre for Water Soluble Polymers (CWSP)

Contact:

Professor Peter A. Williams

Centre for Water Soluble Polymers, North East Wales Institute, Plas Coch, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW

Tel +44 (1978) 293083, fax +44 (1978) 293370,

email williamspa@newi.ac.uk

Objectives

The main activities of the Centre are concerned with undertaking strategic and applied research, training and consultancy in the field of polymer and colloid chemistry. The Group is one of the few in the UK to specialise in water soluble polymers and has expertise in both natural and synthetic polymers. These materials are used in a broad range of industrial products and processes including, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, inks, coatings, household cleaning, adhesives, water clarification, effluent treatment etc.

The Centre, in collaboration with groups at University Wales Bangor, has been awarded the status ‘Centre of Excellence for Technology and Industrial Collaboration’ (CETIC) in a programme funded by the Welsh Funding Council, The Welsh Development Agency and The National Assembly of Wales. The Centre receives funding from a variety of sources including UK Government, EPSRC and EU and has extensive links with Industry.

Research areas

• The synthesis of novel polymers, e.g. comb polymers for use as dispersants; associating polymers for use as thickeners.
• The physicochemical characterisation of polymers e.g. determination of molecular mass distribution using gel permeation chromatography and field flow fractionation in conjunction with multiangle light scattering.
• The stabilisation and rheological control of aqueous dispersions and emulsions e.g. the adsorption and configuration of polymers at interfaces, prevention of aggregation through electrostatic and steric forces, flocculation through polymer bridging or depletion forces.
• The controlled release of actives, such as drugs, pesticides and fragrances using polymer matrices.
• Polymer gels e.g. polysaccharide gels to control the structure of food, cosmetics etc.; in tissue engineering.
• The use of polymers to modify surfaces e.g.adsorption of polymers onto surfaces to prevent protein/bacterial depostion.

Please also see the Web site of Professor P. A. Williams.