Welcome to the Polymers and Complex Fluids Research Group

The University of Leeds is recognised as an outstanding centre of excellence in the globally active research field of polymers and complex fluids. The Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) is at the cutting-edge of research in a field that has gathered huge momentum in the last fifteen years.

An understanding of the molecular behaviour of polymers and complex fluids enables us to improve existing products and create materials with custom designed properties. This is one part of the new field of 'soft nanotechnology' where materials are modified on the nano scale (billionth of a meter) in order to produce tangible real world benefits. Future strategies in this field include increasing links with biology - the world of the most fascinating polymeric and complex fluids of all!

Did you know?

Dry sand is only solid while you squeeze it; let go, and it runs between your fingers. Starch molecules behave the same way, so wet corn-starch is liquid, but jams solid if you try to stir it.

Next Seminar

Towards Rational Design in Chemistry: Catalysts and Nanoswitches
24/02/2012 - Prof. Dr. Matthias Bickelhaupt, Department of Theoretical Chemistry, Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling
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Latest News

Polymer Batteries for Next Generation Electronics

Monday 12th September 2011, 12pm
Professor Ian Ward has led a team, including Dr Alison Voice, that has developed a continuous extrusion/lamination process, using the patented Leeds polymer gel electrolyte technology which gives major advantages in processing and safety for lithium ion batteries compared with the conventional liquid electrolyte cells. Beginning with work done in the early 1990s, Professor Ward and co-workers have developed a unique method for making flexible, small, lightweight, and safe lithium-ion based batteries.
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