This award will support collaborative research between Dr. Ron Neuman, Auburn University, and two Swedish researchers: Professor Per Stenius, Institute for Surface Chemistry, and Professor Per Martin Claesson, Department of Physical Chemistry, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. The objective of the project is to investigate the feasibility of employing a surface force apparatus for studies of model papermaking systems. In particular, the forces between model cellulose surfaces will be directly measured to identify and quantify the fundamental interactions between cellulose surfaces and other surfaces of intrinsic interest and technological importance to pulping and papermaking. Technique development will include the preparation of model cellulose and lignin surfaces on molecularly smooth mica substrates by the method of Langmuir.Blodgett monolayer deposition. Preliminary monolayer experiments will be initiated prior to the visit to ensure productive surface force measur ements. The facilities and experience in surface force measurements of the Institute Surface Chemistry in Stockholm complement the expertise of the principal investigator in surface and colloid chemistry of papermaking, monomolecular films, and Langmuir.Blodgett monolayer deposition. The results of this research are expected to have important applications in the pulp and paper industries.
