Nano-morphology characterisation of complex hierarchical polymers systems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Materials Science and Engineering
Abstract
You will be in advancing scanning electron microscopy techniques, pioneered in Sheffield, to extract structural and chemical information on multiple length scales including the nano-scale. Your project is predominantly focused on natural materials (e.g. spider silk) aiming to extract local mechanical properties through a combination experimental electron spectroscopy and simulated spectra (obtained from Monte Carlo Modelling) and mechanical testing. Your work is expected to deliver inputs required for building mechanical models that facilitate the reverse engineering of natural materials in order to deliver novel materials with outstanding and reliable engineering properties.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Cornelia Rodenburg (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Nicola Stehling (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1816190 | Studentship | EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2019 | Nicola Stehling |
| Description | The overarching aim of the research is to supply the industry with blueprints of strong nanostructured materials using nature as a source of inspiration. In particular, reverse engineering of spider silk can answer questions about the influence of nanostructure on macroscale properties such as mechanical properties. In my research, I have already established links between the nano- and micronscale structure present within spider silk, and the macroscoale mechanical properties. In my publications I have been able to make predictions and recommendations for the nanoscale organisation of high perfoming synthetic nanostructured materials. I have contributed significantly to advancing a new scanning electron microscopy analysis tool by rigorous parameter optimisation and by making powerful image and data processing tools available in simple-to-use software. The objective of simulating Monte-Carlo spectra of spider silk remains a challenge due to the many sigmals and complex relationships present in the real material. Simpler materials beyond the scope of this award have been modelled sucessfully as a stepping stone to more complex materials. |
| Exploitation Route | My experimental work supplies a base for further in silico work for multi-scale modelling of structure-property relationships. Through communicating my work on the scanning electron microscope analysis technique I have increased the community's acceptance and understanding of it. The data processing tools which I have made more accessible will be valuable for the community as more people explore its potential and limits. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | "Spider women" at The Cut in Halesworth - the Science and Art around spiders |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | My second PhD supervisor asked me to step in for this event as he was travelling. I delivered a 20 minute talk about the science of spider silk and the impact of my work to a well educated audience within "The Cut" - a cultural forum. I sucesfully communicated the importance of studying spider silk for human material challenges. I was able to show spiders in a different light, and contributed to removing the negative feelings around spiders sometimes propagated in the general public. The audience was very responsive and engaged and I am confident I left them with a new appreciation for spiders and nature's materials. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://newcut.org/events/entry/7696 |
| Description | Exploring STEM for girls |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 600 Year 9 - Year 11 school students were invited to the "Exploring STEM for girls" in the Octagon exhibition hall at Sheffield University. I helped represent the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at their stall in the exhibit by engaging the students in fun experiments with a materials science theme. The students expressed an interest in the subject and many asked how one becomes a material scientist and what they can do in school now to get there. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/sheffield-university-stem-for-girls-1.770921 |
| Description | Headstart Summer School - Materials Science and Engineering for Year 12s |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Year 12 students came to the Diamond in the Materials Science and Engineering department to hear a talk about the department and participate in fun and engaging materials related experiments. I demonstrated and supervised groups of students and the students were not only engaged in completing the task, but also asked questions about the University Course. As it was a voluntary event, many students were already considering a degree in materials and I am sure this opportunity has further encouraged many of them to choose a Materials course at the University of Sheffield. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.etrust.org.uk/cutting-edge-engineering |
| Description | Spiders in Sheffield - Dr Who Halloween special social media campaign |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Corporate Communications team of the University of Sheffield reached out to Chris Holland (silk & spider silk researcher) for a special social media campaign tagging onto the Dr Who "Arachnids in the UK" Halloween special which was set in Sheffield. As part of this, I was interviewed to talk about my research and its potential impact for the future. The video was part of a twitter campaign and was uploaded onto Youtube. The xx twitter account is mainly aimed at prospective University of Sheffield students. I was also approached by fellow post-graduate students who had seen it which allowed me to talk about my work in an exciting way to peers and gain exposure. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZIHqg6_g_E |
| Description | Westbourne school chocolate science day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | We performed simple but fun experiments like chocolate breaking with primary and young secondary school students. The students were encouraged to think about the physics of materials in basic terms using chocolate as an example material. The children enjoyed being visited by people from University and learnt about materials and what scientists do. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |