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Scanning polarization force microscopy, a relatively new non-contact scanning probe microscopy technique, was applied in order to investigate the properties of liquid surfaces (droplets), such as: topography, microscopic contact angle θ, surface potential energy P(e), spreading coefficient S, and disjoining pressure П. Investigations were carried out on glycerol droplets deposited on surfaces of bare silicon, silicon covered with native oxide, and bulk silicon oxide. Contact angle values were determined from directly measured topography profiles of micro-and nanodroplets. Values of surface potential energy, spreading coefficient, and disjoining pressure were calculated based on a model of the dependence of contact angle on droplet height. The results of these experiments offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of wetting phenomena at the microscopic scale.

The aim of this investigation was to obtain lipid nanoparticles loaded with different sunscreen agents in order to achieve enhanced photoprotection and to decrease the amount of UV -absorbers, with preserving at the same time a high sun protection factor. The developed formulations combined different types of additives including a mixture of non-ionic surfactant and lechitine with two lipids as solid matrix to obtain favourable stable lipid formulations. The research work could be concluded as successefully production of lipid nanoparticles loaded with UV-A and UV-B absorbers (with average size less than 100 nm) that may represent useful UV-blocking systems in sunscreen products for cosmetical purpose.

We report the KrF excimer laser ablation of carbonaceous targets in an innovative laser ablation chamber. The targets have been prepared using a new approach, without pressing or hot pressing of the com position. The Co/Ni doped target has yielded single wall carbon nanotubes with a narrow diameter distribu tion. High resolution transmission electron microscopy has been used along with the confocal Raman microscopy to characterize the products obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the presence of multiple carbonaceous species with different oxidation temperatures.