Mr Hayden Robertson

After completing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 2019, I commenced my PhD in 2020 within the Discipline of Chemistry. 

My research lies at interface of polymer and physical chemistry, investigating the behaviour of stimulus responsive polymers in complex environments. Stimulus responsive polymers are unique as they have the ability to alter their behaviour with changing environmental conditions, such as temperature and pH.

Stimulus responsive polymers can also be attached to a surface to form a polymer brush, establishing a basis for smart interfaces. The behaviour of these polymer brushes can be fine-tuned by the presence of different ions, or salts, and solvents. Here specific ion effects play a large role, as different ions have a unique influence on the behaviour of polymer brushes. In order to understand the influence of ions on the behaviour of polymer brushes I use a large suite of surface techniques, including neutron reflectometry, X-ray reflectometry and ellipsometry. Understanding these systems is imperative, as they have myriad applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to anti-fouling surfaces.

As well as research, teaching has been a large part of my career. I have experience teaching in both chemistry and mathematics courses across first, second and third year in both a workshop and laboratory setting. I have also been involved in science outreach programs, namely the University’s SMART program.