About the Project
Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Polyelectrolyte gel has raised considerable research interest as it can undergo very interesting responsive behaviour under various stimuli such as light, temperature, electric potential, magnetic field, etc. The research will focus on the mechanics of gel based soft materials and their novel application in healthcare and microfluidic systems. Novel smart gel materials will be fabricated with improved stimuli responsive properties and these will be integrated into micro-systems for targeted applications. Stimulus response mechanisms and how they are controlled will be investigated. The desired geometries/structures will be created by advanced micro-engineering techniques such as photo-lithographical patterning, layer by layer self-assembly, electro-spinning and 3D printing.
The research will involve a combination of experimental measurements and theoretical simulation. Characterization techniques, such as UV-vis, IR, NMR, SEM and Fluorescence microscopy, will be used, as well as finite element analysis using ABAQUS. The planned work packages are:
1. Chemically improve the gel responsive properties.
2. Developing and optimizing the actuation effects for responsive gel based structures/devices.
3. Developing and improving instrumental systems to explore the desired patterns/structures/devices.
4. Integration into a micro-system and demonstration of a bio-medical application.
The project activities will be at the broad intersection of polymer science, microfabrication and mechanics, and therefore requires a candidate with excellent skills in collaboration and interests in interdisciplinary research.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. normally an Honours Degree: 1st or 2:1 (or equivalent) or possession of a Masters degree, with merit (or equivalent study at postgraduate level). Applicants may also be accepted on the basis of relevant and substantial practitioner/professional experience.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Start Date: October 2017
Funding Notes
The studentship includes a full stipend, paid for three years at RCUK rates (in 2017/18 this is £14,553 pa) and fees (Home/EU £4,350 / International £13,000).
References
[1] Y.Z. Jiang, Y. Li, W.P. Sun, B. Xu, W. Huang, Y.Q. Guo, C.H. Jin, Y. Ni, T.Y. Ma, C.Z. Wu, M. Yan, Spatially-confined lithiation/delithiation in a highly dense nanocomposite anodes towards advanced lithium-ion batteries, Energy & Environmental Science, 8(2015), pp.1471-1479.(Impact Factor: 20.523, Ionic chemistry and mechanics.)
[2] (Impact Factor: 17.48, Solid Mechanics) Xu, B., Chen, D. and Hayward, R.C., Mechanically gated electrical switches by creasing of patterned metal/elastomer bilayer films. Adv. Mater. 26, 4381–4385 (2014).
[3] Hayward, R.C., Low-voltage switching of crease patterns on hydrogel surfaces. Adv. Mater. 2013, 25, 5555. (Impact Factor:17.48, Gel Chemistry and Surface Mechanics) Xu. B.,