Programme description

The Nanostructured Materials research degrees are part of a large and multidisciplinary activity within the School of Materials. We have strong links with industry and leading research councils.

Fundamental research

The ability to characterise and manipulate the structure of matter on the nanoscale is fundamental to the development of advanced structural and functional materials. Our research, therefore, is broad-ranging and encompasses composites, fibres, surface-engineering and advanced characterisation techniques.

Industry links

We have strong links with industry worldwide and our work impacts directly on current practice within the sector. Industrial sponsors of our research include DeBeers, Gatan, British Vita, and research and trade organisations EPSRC, DTI and EC.

Research interests

Current research interests in this area include:

• Nanoporous substrates for tissue engineering
• Nanostructured surfaces for improved environmental resistance
• Nanoengineering using lasers
• Polymer nanocomposites

Facilities

To underpin the research and teaching activities, we have established state-of-the-art laboratories, which allow comprehensive characterisation and development of materials. These facilities range from synthetic/textile fibre chemistry to materials processing and materials testing.

To complement our teaching resources, there is a comprehensive range of electrochemical, electronoptical imaging and surface and bulk analytical facilities and techniques.