Polymers at interfaces with liquids

In many polymer-based systems, interface properties are crucial because they determine the conditions under which these systems can be implemented or used.
Thus, in emulsion gelation encapsulation processes, the development of bicontinuous materials by liquid-liquid phase separation, during the setting of cement in the presence of superplasticizers, polymer molecules are in contact with a solid or liquid interface.

The behavior of polymers at these interfaces (adsorption, solvation, interchain interactions) will control the stability of these interface-rich systems and their response to mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli.
To study these links between the molecular and macroscopic scales, our approach is based on two pillars: (i) the development of clever physicochemical systems (custom-designed polymer molecules, controlled hydrogels, elastomers, emulsions) and (ii) original experimental methods (high-resolution microscopy using single-molecule tracking, ellipsometry, NMR, etc.).

Examples:
Development of superplasticizers for slag-based cement pastes
Development of supramolecular stabilizers for two-phase aqueous systems
Gelation and complexation of polymers at liquid interfaces for encapsulation
Development of polymer melts as dispersants and binders for MOF suspensions
Spreading and coalescence of polymer melt droplets and pre-wetting films
Molecular dynamics of polymers on a solid surface