Nanostructure surveys of natural and biomimetic dental tissues by 3D SAXS tensor tomography
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Surrey
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Abstract
In our quest to understand the behaviour of natural materials in order to make better use of existing ones and create novel and superior products, we need to be able to determine the structure at every increasing levels of resolution throughout the body. In this proposal, we seek to develop and apply the advanced 3D SAXS tensor tomography at beamline I22 to create a unique capability that will significantly extend our characterisation expertise and open up new avenues of research. The objective of the project is to enable significant understanding of the nanofibrillar collagen structural evolution at different stages of dentine demineralisation using an acid induced model, and the understanding of key structural factors that affect the mechanical performance of novel bio-inspired hierarchical dental composite aiming for biomimetic design of reliable dental prosthesis and other dentine-like materials. Whilst the new science that this instrumentation will enable spans a range of seemingly disparate areas (initially from dental materials), the development of common methodologies will unite the various users and provide a mechanism for the cross-fertilisation of research ideas. Additionally, this project will serve as a basis for new science exploitation leading towards Diamond II and the projected low emittance properties of the new ring.
Planned Impact
Materials science and engineering is a key 'enabling' discipline underpinning many others. Hence the research engineers (REs) studying for their engineering doctorates (EngDs) as members of the Industrial Doctorate Centre in Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies (IDC in MiNMaT) undertake projects that span a large number of industries covering a broad spectrum of materials technologies. Consequentially, the impact of the research undertaken by the REs is wide-ranging.
Given the emphasis placed on solving processing-microstructure-property-performance relationship problems, which are both academically challenging and industrially relevant, the industrial sector is a key beneficiary group for the IDC. Specifically, as the RE is embedded in the sponsoring company, impact is achieved earlier than might be expected for a university-based project. Our current REs have already achieved impact through changes to business practices which have resulted in the creation of new processes or products or improvements to existing ones, ultimately generating economic growth. Our current sponsors have said that the work of the REs has '.helped us enlarge our product range' and '...assisted in guiding and accelerating new product and process development' and that '...successful completion of the project, which is on target, will be of real benefit'.
The shortage of materials graduates has been highlighted in a number of reviews and hence impact for the industrial sector will also be achieved through the training of research engineers, such that they are ready to enter employment and lead the next generation of materials research. A current sponsor comments '..a new recruit into the field, of [name]'s calibre, can only be a very good thing for the UK'.
In terms of the scientific community, impact is and will be achieved via publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals (a mandatory part of the programme) and presentations at conferences (over 30 since the first REs joined the IDC in 2009). These vital routes to dissemination provide a conduit to enable effective knowledge transfer of the research being undertaken in industry to the wider scientific community. Further, the IDC runs a unique annual conference, which provides an additional route to keep our community informed of the latest developments. Additionally, our industrial sponsors really value the opportunity to mix with other sector organisations in a way which they do not do elsewhere. The event also provides an opportunity to attract and engage with new industrial partners, widening the community and supporting the sustainability of the IDC.
Finally, the IDC will have a significant impact on the REs by increasing their employability skills. Specifically, the programme works with industry to ensure that the REs are developing the necessary skills needed by industry. The EngD programme has many benefits for an individual. Principally, the time that the RE spends with their industrial sponsor is key to giving them the context and confidence to operate effectively in the commercial environment. Further, REs benefit from having cohorts through peer-to-peer learning and the enhanced networking opportunities that arise from the many RE, academic and sponsor interactions and, as the IDC matures, the alumni network. Finally, the emphasis placed on personal development and the professional ethos that underpins all IDC activities provides the REs with a firm foundation on which to build the rest of their careers.
Given the emphasis placed on solving processing-microstructure-property-performance relationship problems, which are both academically challenging and industrially relevant, the industrial sector is a key beneficiary group for the IDC. Specifically, as the RE is embedded in the sponsoring company, impact is achieved earlier than might be expected for a university-based project. Our current REs have already achieved impact through changes to business practices which have resulted in the creation of new processes or products or improvements to existing ones, ultimately generating economic growth. Our current sponsors have said that the work of the REs has '.helped us enlarge our product range' and '...assisted in guiding and accelerating new product and process development' and that '...successful completion of the project, which is on target, will be of real benefit'.
The shortage of materials graduates has been highlighted in a number of reviews and hence impact for the industrial sector will also be achieved through the training of research engineers, such that they are ready to enter employment and lead the next generation of materials research. A current sponsor comments '..a new recruit into the field, of [name]'s calibre, can only be a very good thing for the UK'.
In terms of the scientific community, impact is and will be achieved via publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals (a mandatory part of the programme) and presentations at conferences (over 30 since the first REs joined the IDC in 2009). These vital routes to dissemination provide a conduit to enable effective knowledge transfer of the research being undertaken in industry to the wider scientific community. Further, the IDC runs a unique annual conference, which provides an additional route to keep our community informed of the latest developments. Additionally, our industrial sponsors really value the opportunity to mix with other sector organisations in a way which they do not do elsewhere. The event also provides an opportunity to attract and engage with new industrial partners, widening the community and supporting the sustainability of the IDC.
Finally, the IDC will have a significant impact on the REs by increasing their employability skills. Specifically, the programme works with industry to ensure that the REs are developing the necessary skills needed by industry. The EngD programme has many benefits for an individual. Principally, the time that the RE spends with their industrial sponsor is key to giving them the context and confidence to operate effectively in the commercial environment. Further, REs benefit from having cohorts through peer-to-peer learning and the enhanced networking opportunities that arise from the many RE, academic and sponsor interactions and, as the IDC matures, the alumni network. Finally, the emphasis placed on personal development and the professional ethos that underpins all IDC activities provides the REs with a firm foundation on which to build the rest of their careers.
