Using microfluidics for the additive manufacture of functionalised 3D structures

Microfluidics holds the key for the technological development of novel additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes. It can provide the precise control of processing conditions that are essential for the manufacture of new structured 3D materials. As an example, the design and production of novel porous materials could enormously benefit from the use of microfluidics. Yet, to turn this into a reality, there is a need to synthesize first the appropriate building blocks that can assemble and form the desired complex 3D structures. Additionally, it is necessary to understand how solutions containing these building blocks will flow in microchannels, and their injection and drying processes.

In this project we will initially focus on “lantern” complex molecules due to their strong interaction with graphene flakes and carbon surfaces. These constructs are of interest from a Chemistry perspective in that the axial co-ordination sites can be functionalised for application in catalysis and as sensing materials. From a processing perspective, these are complex molecules that could lead to complex rheological behaviour.

The PhD student will characterise experimentally the rheological behaviour of solutions containing the “lantern” complexes, their interaction with graphene flakes, and their flow behaviour in microchannels. Constitutive equations that describe the rheological behaviour of these solutions will also be obtained and implemented in a Computational Fluid Dynamics code to model their flow under confinement in microchannels and the when injected. This work will form the basis for a new integrated approach for the rational development of innovative Additive Manufacturing processes, combining Fluid Mechanics and fundamental Chemistry from the early stages of its conception.

The ideal applicant should retain or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics or another relevant field with strong bases in Fluid Mechanics. Strong aptitude for both computational and experimental work and good programming skills are desired.

The selected candidate will be offered training in the use of advanced computational engineering tools and experimental techniques for the investigation of flow in microfluidic devices. The PhD student will be integrated in the Multi-Scale Modelling and Simulation group of the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science. The project will be supervised by Dr Claudio Fonte (School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science) and Dr Peter Quayle (School of Chemistry). Informal enquiries with a CV attached can be sent to [Email Address Removed].