Ph. D., Cambridge University,
Professor of CNE and Materials

Macromolecular Materials (adhesion, surface forces, colloids)

Dr. Israelachvili joined UCSB in 1986. His research interests are in the general area of intermolecular forces in complex systems, especially the interactions of colloidal particles and surfaces in liquids, and solid-liquid interfacial phenomena. He has developed experimental techniques for directly measuring the forces between surfaces in vapours and liquids. His current work includes the static and dynamical properties of thin films, rheological and tribological phenomena at the molecular level, measurements of colloidal and biological surface interactions in various liquids and developing new experimental techniques. The information is invaluable for controlling colloidal systems and industrial engineering processes, ranging from lubricants to adhesives.

Awards and Honors :

• Fellow of the Royal Society of London (1988)
• Debye Lecturer, American Chemical Society, Cornell University (1987)
• Alpha Chi Sigma Award of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (1991)