Polymer MNT Centre

Ben currently leads the RKT Centre for Polymer Micro and Nano Technology based at the University of Bradford which provides a key resource for industry working to bring micro and nano scale components to market, alongside internationally recognised pioneering academic research in the field.

Key areas of research interest:

• Surface structuring of polymeric devices using feature replication

• Material-specific behaviour

• Crystallisation properties and post processes including plasma treatment or embossing

• Product property control using advanced process control and novel materials and material combinations to tailor internal morphology

• Optical characterisation methods for polymer processes including high speed optical and thermal imaging systems

Current research areas include:

1. Moulding of nano-precision optics using a range of technologies
2. Characterisation of polymers and nano-composites/suspensions in high strain rate environments
3. High speed process measurement using internet enabled technologies
4. Novel sensor development. Utilising a range of emerging technologies including piezoelectric ultrasonic sensors, IR sensors etc.
5. Software development to enable high speed data acquisition/archiving and process characterisation.
6. Studies of the effect of processing parameters on the geometric, morphological and mechanical properties of micromoulded products. Measurement techniques include AFM, nano indenting optical profilometry and nano-DMA.
7. High speed optical and thermal imaging of micromoulding flows
8. Investigations of nano-composite properties and nano-particulate dispersion in polymers
9. Development of novel machine vision techniques for 100% product inspection in micromoulding processes. Techniques include Extended Depth of Field and white light interferometry

More about Ben here >>

Cristina has two multi-disciplinary PhDs: one in biomedical engineering and one in semiconductors' electronics.  She is now based at the University of Bradford in the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics working as Research & Knowledge Transfer Business Development Manager. Her role is to facilitate academics interaction with government and industrial funding bodies, resulting in high quality proposals and projects. Cristina is promoting our mission to provide superior quality education with a high impact on industry, and on the country's economy, through our ‘make a difference’ alumni cohort.

Research and Areas of Expertise:
- Development of bio-medical devices via injection moulding
- Surface characterisation of different materials and components using: SEM, AFM, White Light Interferometry, Confocal Microscopy
- Surface chemistry modification via plasma treatment or casting on different surfaces
- Surface structuring of polymers via injection moulding or photolithographic methods
- Material properties modification which are affected by different process parameters
- Stretchable conductors
- Thin film deposition onto polymers and elastomers
- Ultrasound monitoring of injection process

More about Cristina here >>