Currently working in the High Performance Ductile Composites (HiPerDuCT) Project in collaboration with University of Bristol, developing materials which display ductile or pseudo-ductile response to mechanical load and have high strength and stiffness.Funding provided by UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) EP/I02946X/1

Continuous Processing of Carbon Nanotube-Grafted Carbon FibresFunding provided by UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Impact Acceleration: Pathways to Impact Award, EP/K503733/1

Improved Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube Grafted Carbon Fibre: Towards Continuous ProductionThe introduction of carbon nanoforms, especially carbon nanotubes (CNT), into structural composites has been limited due to challenging processing requirements. Difficulties in post-processing can be avoided by anchoring the nanoreinforcement to a parent fibre, which can be handled in convention composite procedures. CNTs can be synthesised onto reinforcing carbon fibre (CF) surfaces to improve composite structural performance, through improved interfacial bonding of the matrix and reinforcement. Sourcing a suitable amount of carbon nanotube grafted carbon fibre (CNT-g-CF) for mechanical test coupons geometry has been restricted due to sensitive batch CNT synthesis, which in turn has limited development. Scaling the CNT synthesis procedure for continuous production of CNT-g-CF, without damaging the parent reinforcement structure whist using low intensity processing techniques (minimal processing of parent fibre substrate), compatible with industrial practices is critical for progression in the field.Funding provided by UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/P502500/1

Summer Project: The Viscosity of Electronic Liquids: Are They Superfluids?An attempt was made to measure the extremely low viscosity of lithium ammonia solution. Solution required stringent conditions for production including an evacuated environment at a constant temperature of -50˚C, proposing strict design constraints. Carried out at the London Centre of Nanotechnology (LCN) within the Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (CMMP) Group.Funding provided by Nuffield Science Bursary, UK