I am moving to Hull to research into ‘self-healing’ materials as produced through 3D printing techniques. This new and exciting technology could help produce the next generation of smart materials & composites.

Due to the unstable times that we live in we have the situation where funding is not available for this specific project but I will not shy away from something that could create such amazing technology. I intend to work part-time to fund this & finance as much as possible but I need your help.

The potential end commercialisation goal of this technology could include the following.

- Self healing clothing, fabric material that absorbs impacts & repairs after

- Self healing paintwork or paint coatings that would recover the original strength & shine

- Material that can recover from stress fractures which could be applied to tarmac or concrete to reduce the chance of potholes

- Potential to look into self healing metals for long lasting car parts

- Polymer layers such as mobile phone screens that repairs itself when cracked

The chemistry is complicated but the potential is absolutely possible. The research will start with how natural biocomposites like bone or nacre combine brittle and ductile components in a way to create strong, yet tough materials. By using such lessons from nature, this research will create complex composites with high strength, toughness, & damage tolerance.

Within this research group I will focus on the synthesis & characterization of self-healing elastomers and gels for 3D printing of complex composites as well as on testing the mechanical properties of the materials. It will build into an investigation of novel applications & will help define a future research agenda for this new technology.

This research has the potential to change the world we live in and I will be working along those who are already looking to do just that. This is something I am wholly and passionately preparing for, starting September.