Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER) (ulkoinen linkki)
LIBER aims to create dynamic and soft hybrid materials with capability to learn, adapt or respond to the environment.
Physics Research Seminar: Dr. Nan Gao
Fysikan tutkimusseminaari: on the design and application of non-wettable surfaces with anti-biofouling properties.
Milloin
–
Missä
Kide, Meitner (1571)
Tapahtuman kieli
englanti
Welcome to a research seminar by Dr. Nan Gao from the University of Birmingham!
Host: Prof. Jaakko Timonen
Title: A lovely drop: from wetting to antibiofouling properties
Abstract:
‘Wetting’ refers to how a liquid deposited on a surface spreads out. The phenomena of wetting are governed by interfacial tension and surface structure. In the case of droplets of liquid on a non-wettable surface, the droplets can form a roughly spherical shape, showing a contact angle up to 180°. This allows droplets that are in contact with a liquid-repellent surface to slide/roll off easily and remove surface contamination. By contrast, droplets will spread spontaneously on fully wettable solid surfaces to form a thin film. Our recent research has been focused on the design and application of non-wettable surfaces with anti-biofouling properties whereby wetting and adhesion behaviours can be manipulated. We use state-of-the-art fabrication technique to prepare various liquid repellent surfaces, allowing us to compare and optimise the liquid repellence of the fabricated surface patterns. In addition, we have developed methods to test how the surface properties are affected by interactions with various liquids. This has provided us with a doorway to design robust anti-biofouling surfaces that can be used against contamination.
Dr. Nan Gao is an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham. Nan obtained his PhD at the University of Nottingham, UK, where he began his research in wetting phenomena. He continued his research career as a postdoctoral research fellow carrying out various research activities at Fudan University, Shanghai, Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, University of Sydney and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, before joining the University of Birmingham as a lecturer in 2019. Dr Gao’s research fields are currently focused on wetting phenomena and anti-biofouling surfaces. His research covers both fundamental aspects and industrial applications.
