Future Seminars
📅 Friday, 25th July 2025 | ⏰ 3:00 – 4:00 PM | 📍James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Dr. Andrew Feeney, MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: A Sonochemical Approach to the Recycling and Recovery of Electronic Waste
Electronic waste (e-waste) generation is a rapidly growing socioeconomic problem. For example, around 54 Mt of e-waste was generated globally in 2019, which is expected to surpass 74 Mt by 2030. In the UK alone, approximately $150M of technology critical metals (TCMs) is found in e-waste per annum. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the largest source of metals from e-waste, containing up to 30-40 wt.% of TCMs. Other major sources include batteries (such as lithium-ion) and photovoltaic cells found in solar panels. Traditional e-waste recycling techniques for recovering TCMs involve processes involving chemicals or energy use that either lack selectivity, with significant environmental and health impacts, or are too slow to be industrially practical.
Ionometallurgy is a promising approach for recovery, using ionic liquids called deep eutectic solvents (DESs). These chemicals can be used at lower temperatures without the need for toxic reagents. They are inexpensive, can be straightforward to synthesise, and can be made selective. However, they can still be slow to facilitate TCM recovery, in part because they are highly viscous. It has been found that by tailoring the application of power ultrasound to the system, cavitation activity in DESs can significantly accelerate the rate and effectiveness of TCM recovery, retaining selectivity but at rates more suitable for industrial-scale applications.
This seminar will explore the latest progress in the sonochemical processing, recycling, and recovery of TCMs from e-waste, encompassing PCBs, batteries, and photovoltaic cells. The underlying sonochemistry will be discussed, in addition to strategies towards life cycle assessment, and principles of design for both recycling and remanufacturing.
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Past Seminars
2025 Seminar Series
📅 Friday, 27th June 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 427a
📢 Speaker: Dr. Khiêm Vu, Department of Continuum Mechanics - RWTH Aachen University
📝 Title and Abstract: Data-Driven Statistical Learning of Textile Reinforcements: Data Collection
Textile reinforcements offer numerous advantages over conventional materials, including net-zero emissions, net- zero waste, durability, and design flexibility, rendering them ideally suited for aerospace, automotive, marine, and defence sectors. Nevertheless, understanding and predicting the mechanical behaviour of textile reinforcements, especially in complex scenarios like when fibres slide and bend, remain challenging. In this research project, we aim to revolutionise the current data-driven computational mechanics by integrating it with statistical learning to construct a pioneering framework that can transfer large datasets of generalised mechanics of textile reinforcements into robust constitutive formulations with reliability beyond existing models. To this end, the collection of comprehensive mechanical datasets will be accomplished through advanced experimental mechanics. By elegant choice of measurement quantities, inelasticity of real textile reinforcement (including inter-ply and intra-ply sliding) can be learned without relying on empirical evolution of internal variables. To achieve comprehensive validation of the modelling framework, the mechanical response of 3D-printed textile reinforcements will be additionally measured, isolating the pure interaction between fibres (in-plane shear) from the influence of fibre sliding.
📅 Tuesday, 10th June 2025 | ⏰ 2:00 – 3:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, 427b Studio
📢 Speaker: Prof. Lining Arnold Ju, School of Biomedical Engineering - The University of Sydney
📝 Title and Abstract: Mechanobiology-Inspired Antithrombotic Strategies and Point-of-Care Microtechnologies
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with thrombosis playing a central role in their pathogenesis. Current antithrombotic therapies, while effective, often carry significant bleeding risks due to their inability to differentiate between pathological and physiological blood clotting. This presentation introduces our integrated approach that combines fundamental mechanobiology with translational engineering to address critical clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine, potentially transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat thrombotic disorders.
First, using our single-cell biomechanical nanotools such as Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP), we present insights into thrombosis mechanobiology, particularly focusing on the role of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and other mechanoreceptors (GPIbα, integrin αIIbβ3 and PIEZO1 ion channels) in distinguishing between "good" and "bad" mechanical forces in thrombosis. These helped uncover new therapeutic targets for force-sensitive antithrombotic strategies. Second, we demonstrate a personalised vessel-on-chip platform that recreates patient-specific blood vessel geometries and flow conditions, enabling precise evaluation of thrombotic risk and drug responses. Finally, we introduce novel point-of-care microtechnologies for rapid blood coagulation testing, including an AI-powered platform called SmartClot, which promises to revolutionise home-based coagulation monitoring. These innovations represent a significant advancement toward more effective and safer antithrombotic treatments, with potential applications ranging from preventive care to personalised medicine.
📅 Friday, 30th May 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Dr. Ross Colquhoun, Scottish Enterprise
📝 Title and Abstract: Scottish Enterprise Innovation Specialists and the Scottish Innovation Ecosystem
Innovation is widely considered essential for economic growth and productivity, driving the development of new or improved products and services or producing them efficiently - increasing economic output to ultimately create wealth and employment. R&D is therefore often considered central to innovation and productivity growth. The talk will cover the role of Scottish Enterprises Innovation Specialists in working collaboratively with businesses, academia and other innovation assets to drive more impactful, continuous innovation across Scotland. This includes later stage support for the translation of research from Scotland's world leading universities into commercial entities that have the potential to scale and transform Scotland's economy.
📅 Friday, 25th April 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Prof. Daniel Mulvihill, MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: The Tribology of Triboelectrification
Triboelectric nanogenerators are a promising energy harvesting technology receiving significant global attention at present. This talk will explore some of the key tribology and mechanics of TENGs. For example, results published in the literature have indicated that TENG electrical output appears to be very sensitive to contact pressure and surface roughness. We demonstrate that the contact pressure and roughness dependence of TENG output arises because of the role that both contact pressure and roughness play in governing the real contact area at the active TENG interface. We also explore how the roughness magnitude effects TENG output - in order to achieve this, a novel approach is developed involving the replication of pre-designed 3D printed surface topography in suitable thermoplastic polymers like PVS. The work also develops novel experimental techniques for the testing of TENGs especially in relation to ensuring contact alignment and accurately measuring contact area in TENG interfaces.
📅 Friday, 11th April 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 427a
📢 Speaker: Prof. Venkataraman Thangadurai, School of Chemistry - University of St Andrews
📝 Title and Abstract: Solid-State Batteries for Energy Storage Applications
Renewable energy sources are critical for decreasing the growing greenhouse gas emissions. They play a vital role in the transition to a decarbonized economy. Because renewable sources such as solar and wind are intermittent, reliable energy storage and conversion systems are crucial for their utilization. Electrochemical devices can be implemented to directly store and convert energy from renewable sources for a wide range of applications Solid state metal batteries can accelerate electrification in both transport and peak shaving applications. In this talk, next generation solid-state membranes and electrodes for safe, high-energy density and robust batteries will be presented.
📅 Friday, 28th March 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 11:00 AM | 📍 Rankine building, room 629
📢 Speaker: Dr. Ross Minty, Advanced Composites Group - University of Strathclyde
📝 Title and Abstract: The Impact of Adhesion & Residual Stress within Next-Generation Composites Materials
Within the composites sector, it is well known that the fibre-matrix interface plays a key role in defining the mechanical properties of fibre composite materials. The ability to efficiently transfer stress between the matrix and the fibres is critical in ensuring the required performance level needed for advanced composite materials. Despite this, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the micro-mechanical parameters that govern the structure-property relationships within fibre-reinforced composite materials. Inefficient adhesion at the fibre-matrix interface curtails the performance of many composite systems, triggering expensive compromises in weight, efficiency, and factors of safety to mitigate performance deficiencies. The interface plays a fundamental role in defining the capability of a composite material to perform under harsh environmental conditions. It is the interface which is attacked and weakened under these conditions; it is failure at the interface which leads to eventual delamination and ultimate failure of the component. However, despite this, interest in interfacial research had been steadily decreasing over the past decade(s) due to the assumption that we understood, and had solved, the challenges we had for the composite materials we use in high performance applications. Yet with the transition towards a Net Zero policy, the materials we use to achieve this are changing alongside us, particularly within the composites sector. The traditional fibre-reinforced thermoset systems of the past are increasingly being targeted for replacement with fibre-reinforced thermoplastic systems, or bio-derived systems due to long-term sustainability concerns. Each opens new avenues for research that challenge the historical theory of the past the fibre-matrix adhesion was down primarily to chemical bonding. This seminar will explore the research led by Dr Minty and his team within the ACG to further our understanding of the fibre-matrix interface, including the role of residual stresses formed at the interface, and how this research plays a critical role within the wider scope of composite materials for the next generation of high-performance applications.
📅 Friday, 28th February 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Prof. S. Kumar, Co-lead of MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: Architected Materials and Multifunctional Composites via Additive Manufacturing and Nanoengineering
The emergence of micro-, nano-, and molecularly-tailored multimaterial systems, driven by advancements in additive manufacturing (AM), has unlocked new possibilities for engineering advanced functionalities. Multimaterial and multifunctional 3D and 4D printing—rooted in interdisciplinary principles and inspired by decades of research on bulk microfibre heterogeneous composites—enable cost-effective automation and precise local control of material architectures and properties. This talk presents a cross-disciplinary exploration of tailored multilayers, bioinspired materials, nanocomposites, 4D-printed structures, and multiscale fibre-reinforced composites, culminating in architected materials with enhanced multifunctional performance. By leveraging AM-enabled control over spatial and temporal material organization, we pave the way for next-generation material systems tailored for critical applications in biomedical, defence, energy, automotive and aerospace sectors.
📅 Friday, 31st January 2025 | ⏰ 3:30 – 4:30 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 427a
📢 Speaker: Dr. Philip Harrison, Co-lead of MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: Research Vision for Composites Manufacturing
The talk focuses on current activity and future plans for research into composites manufacturing technologies. It begins with a brief outline of previous research before discussing active funded projects (on induction melt thermoforming and characterisation work on stitched fabrics) and ends by outlining ideas for future research. Topics include recent developments on how best to model and characterise the large deformation forming mechanics of engineering fabrics (highly anisotropic materials with 6 independent mechanical stiffnesses) and advanced thermoplastic composites (like engineering fabrics but with added rate and temperature dependence). It also includes a discussion of future ideas related to steered fibre laminates and material variability.
📢 Speaker: Dr. Khiêm Vu, Department of Continuum Mechanics - RWTH Aachen University
📝 Title and Abstract: Data-Driven Statistical Learning of Textile Reinforcements: Data Collection
Textile reinforcements offer numerous advantages over conventional materials, including net-zero emissions, net- zero waste, durability, and design flexibility, rendering them ideally suited for aerospace, automotive, marine, and defence sectors. Nevertheless, understanding and predicting the mechanical behaviour of textile reinforcements, especially in complex scenarios like when fibres slide and bend, remain challenging. In this research project, we aim to revolutionise the current data-driven computational mechanics by integrating it with statistical learning to construct a pioneering framework that can transfer large datasets of generalised mechanics of textile reinforcements into robust constitutive formulations with reliability beyond existing models. To this end, the collection of comprehensive mechanical datasets will be accomplished through advanced experimental mechanics. By elegant choice of measurement quantities, inelasticity of real textile reinforcement (including inter-ply and intra-ply sliding) can be learned without relying on empirical evolution of internal variables. To achieve comprehensive validation of the modelling framework, the mechanical response of 3D-printed textile reinforcements will be additionally measured, isolating the pure interaction between fibres (in-plane shear) from the influence of fibre sliding.
📅 Tuesday, 10th June 2025 | ⏰ 2:00 – 3:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, 427b Studio
📢 Speaker: Prof. Lining Arnold Ju, School of Biomedical Engineering - The University of Sydney
📝 Title and Abstract: Mechanobiology-Inspired Antithrombotic Strategies and Point-of-Care Microtechnologies
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with thrombosis playing a central role in their pathogenesis. Current antithrombotic therapies, while effective, often carry significant bleeding risks due to their inability to differentiate between pathological and physiological blood clotting. This presentation introduces our integrated approach that combines fundamental mechanobiology with translational engineering to address critical clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine, potentially transforming how we diagnose, monitor, and treat thrombotic disorders.
First, using our single-cell biomechanical nanotools such as Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP), we present insights into thrombosis mechanobiology, particularly focusing on the role of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and other mechanoreceptors (GPIbα, integrin αIIbβ3 and PIEZO1 ion channels) in distinguishing between "good" and "bad" mechanical forces in thrombosis. These helped uncover new therapeutic targets for force-sensitive antithrombotic strategies. Second, we demonstrate a personalised vessel-on-chip platform that recreates patient-specific blood vessel geometries and flow conditions, enabling precise evaluation of thrombotic risk and drug responses. Finally, we introduce novel point-of-care microtechnologies for rapid blood coagulation testing, including an AI-powered platform called SmartClot, which promises to revolutionise home-based coagulation monitoring. These innovations represent a significant advancement toward more effective and safer antithrombotic treatments, with potential applications ranging from preventive care to personalised medicine.
📅 Friday, 30th May 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Dr. Ross Colquhoun, Scottish Enterprise
📝 Title and Abstract: Scottish Enterprise Innovation Specialists and the Scottish Innovation Ecosystem
Innovation is widely considered essential for economic growth and productivity, driving the development of new or improved products and services or producing them efficiently - increasing economic output to ultimately create wealth and employment. R&D is therefore often considered central to innovation and productivity growth. The talk will cover the role of Scottish Enterprises Innovation Specialists in working collaboratively with businesses, academia and other innovation assets to drive more impactful, continuous innovation across Scotland. This includes later stage support for the translation of research from Scotland's world leading universities into commercial entities that have the potential to scale and transform Scotland's economy.
📅 Friday, 25th April 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Prof. Daniel Mulvihill, MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: The Tribology of Triboelectrification
Triboelectric nanogenerators are a promising energy harvesting technology receiving significant global attention at present. This talk will explore some of the key tribology and mechanics of TENGs. For example, results published in the literature have indicated that TENG electrical output appears to be very sensitive to contact pressure and surface roughness. We demonstrate that the contact pressure and roughness dependence of TENG output arises because of the role that both contact pressure and roughness play in governing the real contact area at the active TENG interface. We also explore how the roughness magnitude effects TENG output - in order to achieve this, a novel approach is developed involving the replication of pre-designed 3D printed surface topography in suitable thermoplastic polymers like PVS. The work also develops novel experimental techniques for the testing of TENGs especially in relation to ensuring contact alignment and accurately measuring contact area in TENG interfaces.
📅 Friday, 11th April 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 427a
📢 Speaker: Prof. Venkataraman Thangadurai, School of Chemistry - University of St Andrews
📝 Title and Abstract: Solid-State Batteries for Energy Storage Applications
Renewable energy sources are critical for decreasing the growing greenhouse gas emissions. They play a vital role in the transition to a decarbonized economy. Because renewable sources such as solar and wind are intermittent, reliable energy storage and conversion systems are crucial for their utilization. Electrochemical devices can be implemented to directly store and convert energy from renewable sources for a wide range of applications Solid state metal batteries can accelerate electrification in both transport and peak shaving applications. In this talk, next generation solid-state membranes and electrodes for safe, high-energy density and robust batteries will be presented.
📅 Friday, 28th March 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 11:00 AM | 📍 Rankine building, room 629
📢 Speaker: Dr. Ross Minty, Advanced Composites Group - University of Strathclyde
📝 Title and Abstract: The Impact of Adhesion & Residual Stress within Next-Generation Composites Materials
Within the composites sector, it is well known that the fibre-matrix interface plays a key role in defining the mechanical properties of fibre composite materials. The ability to efficiently transfer stress between the matrix and the fibres is critical in ensuring the required performance level needed for advanced composite materials. Despite this, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the micro-mechanical parameters that govern the structure-property relationships within fibre-reinforced composite materials. Inefficient adhesion at the fibre-matrix interface curtails the performance of many composite systems, triggering expensive compromises in weight, efficiency, and factors of safety to mitigate performance deficiencies. The interface plays a fundamental role in defining the capability of a composite material to perform under harsh environmental conditions. It is the interface which is attacked and weakened under these conditions; it is failure at the interface which leads to eventual delamination and ultimate failure of the component. However, despite this, interest in interfacial research had been steadily decreasing over the past decade(s) due to the assumption that we understood, and had solved, the challenges we had for the composite materials we use in high performance applications. Yet with the transition towards a Net Zero policy, the materials we use to achieve this are changing alongside us, particularly within the composites sector. The traditional fibre-reinforced thermoset systems of the past are increasingly being targeted for replacement with fibre-reinforced thermoplastic systems, or bio-derived systems due to long-term sustainability concerns. Each opens new avenues for research that challenge the historical theory of the past the fibre-matrix adhesion was down primarily to chemical bonding. This seminar will explore the research led by Dr Minty and his team within the ACG to further our understanding of the fibre-matrix interface, including the role of residual stresses formed at the interface, and how this research plays a critical role within the wider scope of composite materials for the next generation of high-performance applications.
📅 Friday, 28th February 2025 | ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 334
📢 Speaker: Prof. S. Kumar, Co-lead of MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: Architected Materials and Multifunctional Composites via Additive Manufacturing and Nanoengineering
The emergence of micro-, nano-, and molecularly-tailored multimaterial systems, driven by advancements in additive manufacturing (AM), has unlocked new possibilities for engineering advanced functionalities. Multimaterial and multifunctional 3D and 4D printing—rooted in interdisciplinary principles and inspired by decades of research on bulk microfibre heterogeneous composites—enable cost-effective automation and precise local control of material architectures and properties. This talk presents a cross-disciplinary exploration of tailored multilayers, bioinspired materials, nanocomposites, 4D-printed structures, and multiscale fibre-reinforced composites, culminating in architected materials with enhanced multifunctional performance. By leveraging AM-enabled control over spatial and temporal material organization, we pave the way for next-generation material systems tailored for critical applications in biomedical, defence, energy, automotive and aerospace sectors.
📅 Friday, 31st January 2025 | ⏰ 3:30 – 4:30 PM | 📍 James Watt South building, room 427a
📢 Speaker: Dr. Philip Harrison, Co-lead of MMRG - University of Glasgow
📝 Title and Abstract: Research Vision for Composites Manufacturing
The talk focuses on current activity and future plans for research into composites manufacturing technologies. It begins with a brief outline of previous research before discussing active funded projects (on induction melt thermoforming and characterisation work on stitched fabrics) and ends by outlining ideas for future research. Topics include recent developments on how best to model and characterise the large deformation forming mechanics of engineering fabrics (highly anisotropic materials with 6 independent mechanical stiffnesses) and advanced thermoplastic composites (like engineering fabrics but with added rate and temperature dependence). It also includes a discussion of future ideas related to steered fibre laminates and material variability.
2020 Seminar Series
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Want to hear about future seminars?
Through our in-person and online seminar series, we showcase the outstanding research conducted within our group and periodically host distinguished academics from around the world. Seminars are held on the last Friday of each month.
If you would like to receive email invitations to our monthly seminars or are interested in attending—either as an audience member or a speaker—please contact Ali ([email protected]) or Jack ([email protected]). We look forward to your participation in the upcoming seminars!
If you would like to receive email invitations to our monthly seminars or are interested in attending—either as an audience member or a speaker—please contact Ali ([email protected]) or Jack ([email protected]). We look forward to your participation in the upcoming seminars!