Interfacial structures and competitive adsorption of amphiphilic polymers with surfactants at the air-water interface

Foam stability, appearance and functionality is governed by the thin liquid films between foam bubbles. These films are stabilised by surface active molecules (surfactants and polymers). The structures of these mixtures at the interface is therefore of crucial importance. We propose to study mixed polymer/surfactant systems relevant to cleaning products, in particular the influence of the polymer molecular architecture and charge on the interfacial structures. The ultimate aim is to establish a link between the interfacial and bulk structures, and their potential industrial applications regarding their foaming and cleaning properties.