Latest Publications
Controlling friction for sustainable concrete
ECFP researchers have revealed how friction between microscopic cement grains can prevent the easy flow of fresh, unset concrete. Improving our understanding of these microscale processes will guide efforts to replace cement with more sustainable substitutes.
Towards a self-mixing salad dressing
A collaboration between researchers from ECFP, the University of Edinburgh, Nottingham Trent University, and Loughborough University studying the behaviour of a popular alcoholic drink has led to new insights into the process of spontaneous emulsification. The work has implications for low-energy production of a whole range of emulsion products which currently must be mixed vigorously.
Thinning, not thickening, fluids optimise protection of glass screens
A collaboration between ECFP and Corning Inc. investigating the link between fluid flow and glass bending in layered systems has uncovered that shear-thinning fluids provide better protection against impact. Such insight could be used to create more durable foldable smartphones.
Protected droplets create a new transport route for medicines
Researchers from several universities, including ECFP, have completed an innovative study which firmly links the structure of microgels to the controlled release of liquid droplets coated in these particles. The discovery could revolutionise methods of targeting medicines to specific locations within the body.
Design principles for hand sanitisers
A paper from ECFP demonstrates how soft matter physics can be used to form a framework to guide the design of formulations with desirable properties.
