An experimental approach to the development and validation of Group Interaction Modelling
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Group Interaction Modelling (GIM) is a model developed to relate the structure of polymers to their thermomechanical properties. The aim of this research project is to measure a range of material properties (dynamic moduli, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity etc.) using a range of experimental techniques and conditions for a single material and directly compare the results to the predictions made by GIM. This will be done, starting from a simple-structured polymer such as polyethylene (PE) and later moving to polymers with specific side groups, thus getting a more solid inside for how material structure results in different properties for polymers.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Malvina Constantinou (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/T517677/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2276965 | Studentship | EP/T517677/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2023 | Malvina Constantinou |
| Description | Measurements of a range of properties were made on a single-source material (polycarbonate) at a wide range of temperatures and experimental timescales. These were used to inform our model, which uses the chemical identity of polymers to predict their bulk properties. This has demonstrated the merit of the Group Interaction Modelling framework as a tool for predicting polymer properties and that we have made modifications to improve the fundamental physics included in the model. The model was then applied to other materials, including more complicated protein-based materials and found to predict experimental observations. |
| Exploitation Route | The end goal is to develop Group Interaction Modelling so it can be used as a tool in industry, for identifying appropriate uses and manufacturing techniques for existing polymers, as well as identifying the chemical structure needed for specific properties required, for the development of new materials. This is applicable to a wide range of industries, since polymers are used in many sectors nowadays. In addition, the fundamental physics understanding of how bulk properties of polymers arise and behave is improved through this research, which could be expanded upon by other researchers, from a theoretical physics perspective. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Construction,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Retail,Transport |
| Title | Group Interaction Modelling working model |
| Description | Our research team has a working GIM computer model, first set up as David Porter described it in his book. The award holder has been modifying and expanding it in accordance with knowledge obtained from experimental results. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | One significant impact to the award holder's research is the prediction of the glass transition temperature within different experimental settings. In particular, we have found a method to obtain an equivalent thermal strain rate associated with experiments which only have thermal input (e.g. measuring thermal expansion) and hence used Group Interaction Modelling to predict what the observed glass transition temperature will be in any experiment. This was not previously included in the model, so was a significant addition. Another area of progress has been building a model for a protein-based material (see Xampla Collaboration) and demonstrating that we can use the modelling framework for a complicated material, containing various amounts of plasticisers and get meaningful predictions out of it. The award holder expects that there will be even more additions and improvements to the model by the end of the studentship. |
| Description | SEM Annual Conference 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The award holder gave a talk about her research involving using Group Interaction Modelling to predict thermal properties of polycarbonate as part of the Annual Conference organised by the Society for Experimental Mechanics. The event, which was held online, reached a wide audience, including researchers, students and industry experts. There was engagement from the audience, asking questions and giving feedback on the research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |