Dewetting on Textured and Slippery Surfaces (RDF17/MPEE/MCHALE)

The spreading of a liquid from a droplet into a film is important in many industries and is widely studied to understand the fundamentals of solid-liquid interactions and fluid mechanics. Recently, we have shown the reverse process of a film dewetting from a surface is not like a video in reverse (Science Advances, 2016). Often surfaces are rough or textured and this significantly alters how a liquid interacts and moves across the surface. Surface texture (ridges, grooves, regular dimples or protrusions, etc) has a major influence and can be used to control how a liquid behaves. A natural example is the Lotus leaf which uses waxy bumps to cause water to ball-up and roll-off. Another example is the Nepenthes Pitcher Plant which uses surface texture and an infusing lubricant to create super-slippery leaves, which cause insects to fall into a deep cavity where they are then digested. Our focus is on understanding the physics and materials science of natural systems and using bio-mimickery to create new surfaces with liquid shedding properties (www.naturesraincoats.com).

This project will design and fabricate micro-textured surfaces and self-healing lubricant impregnated surfaces. Films of liquids will be induced on these surfaces using electric fields. By switching off the electric field we will induce the films to de-wet from the surface and this will be studied using high speed video in the group’s Smart Materials and Surfaces Laboratory.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Glen McHale, Dr. Gary Wells, Dr. Rodrigo Ledesma-Aguilar and colleagues in the Department of Mathematics, Physics & Electrical Engineering. The research will also involve collaboration with colleagues at Durham University for the production of lithographically produced micro-structured surfaces.

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required (evidence required by 1 August 2017).

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.
Deadline for applications: 20 January 2017
Start Date: 2 October 2017

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.