Fluid dynamics and wetting phenomena applied to fibrous materials for the development of liquid repellent strategies

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The wetting behaviour of liquids on fibers is
of critical importance in a variety of applications, including liquid repellent
textiles, filters, high-performance coatings, and superhydrophobic surfaces. Repelling
low-surface tension liquids to obtain super-oleophobic surfaces is particularly
challenging. This project aims to develop an improved understanding of the
wetting of fibres by high-surface tension liquids through a combination of advanced
experimental techniques (focussed
ion beam microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, etc.) and theory/modelling
using highly-resolved simulations, exploring both the fluid dynamics of impact
and the subsequent equilibrium configuration of the drops. The student will
learn advanced notions of wetting and interfacial phenomena, and will be
exposed to a research field with numerous applications to industry, health, and
the environment.

Supervisors: Dr. Asa Barber (Reader in Materials, http://www.barberresearch.com/asabarber.html ) and Dr. Lorenzo Botto (Lecturer in Engineering Simulation and
Modelling, http://webspace.qmul.ac.uk/lbotto/
)

Research Area:  Advanced materials, wetting phenomena, soft matter, fluid mechanics

Keywords: fibres; wetting;
high-performance materials

Location: School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of
London

Studentship
Details

Key Requirements

Applicants for the PhD studentships will need to have a first or
upper-second (2:1) class honours degree in a physical sciences subject, including
Engineering, Mathematics, Materials Science, and Physics. The full award covers
tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend starting at £15,590 per annum.

Further Details

A full CV and a statement of purpose should be sent to l.botto@qmul.ac.uk or a.barber@qmul.ac.uk as soon as possible. The complete application will also include a
research proposal and 2 letters of reference, which should be sent by the
closing date, which is 31st January 2014.
Informal enquires are encouraged and should be addressed to l.botto@qmul.ac.uk . The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis according to the rules in http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AHY132/fully-funded-phd-positions-in-materials... .  Please read the rules carefully.