As a postgraduate researcher in Materials Engineering you will be based in the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials. Our research areas include kinetics and formation mechanisms of new materials, and predictive modelling based upon mechanistic understanding. Work covers the production, property measurement and performance assessment of:
- ceramics
- polymers
- metals
- composites
They focus on developing new materials for advanced engineering applications, including microelectronics, optics and power transmission.
Current research projects include:
- developing novel surface engineering processes and materials (such as fullerene-like coating materials)
- energy-based methods for performance modelling
- nanomaterials and nanocharacterisation techniques
- novel materials for intensified processes
A major research strength is the measurement and modelling of the mechanical response of materials at high-spatial resolution, particularly in microelectronic and optical devices. A combination of unique equipment and interdisciplinary expertise supports this.
Another research focus is the materials requirements for the sustainable development and use of key resources, in particular water and energy. We have significant research into the generation of energy from novel sources, low carbon and renewable technologies and the clean-up of effluent and wastewater.
