The flow and deformation properties (i.e. the Rheology) of complex fluids, which arise due to the fluids microstructure, are often a critical factor in achieving a product functionality. In this context, "products" may range from printed electronic components manufactured using functional inks, to the 'biological products' of physiological processes such as blood coagulation - i.e. the blood clot. However, the effect of complex flow conditions (which are inherent to the 'process') on the fluid microstructure, and hence flow properties, is difficult to study - especially if the process is dynamic (e.g. where the sample is undergoing curing, gelation, clotting, drying etc). This research proposal aims to develop, test and demonstrate a novel technique for characterising changes in the rheology (and microstructure) of flow-sensitive complex fluids occurring in response to a flow condition. It is proposed to develop a technique which uses 'chirp' waveforms (i.e. frequency modulated waveforms) to probe the time-dependent flow and deformation properties of fluids as they are experiencing flow. Successful delivery of the project will provide industrial and academic rheologists, product formulation specialists, manufacturers and process designers with (i) an extremely powerful tool for rapidly characterising rheological/microstructural changes occurring in response to a sustained shear flow, (ii) new insights into the microstructural consequences of gelation under unidirectional stress, and (iii) a framework for interpreting parallel superposition rheometric data.

Coatings are ubiquitous throughout day to day life and ensure the function, durability and aesthetics of millions of products and processes. The use of coatings is essential across multiple sectors including construction, automotive, aerospace, packaging and energy and as such the industry has a considerable value of £2.7 billion annually with over 300,000 people employed throughout manufacturers and supply chains. The cars that we drive are reliant on advanced coating technology for their durability and aesthetics. Planes can only survive the harsh conditions of flight through coatings. These coatings are multi-material systems with carefully controlled chemistries and the development and application of coatings at scale is challenging. Most coatings surfaces are currently passive and thus an opportunity exists to transform these products through the development of functional industrial coatings. For example, the next generation of buildings will use coating technology to embed energy generation, storage and release within the fabric of building. Photocatalytic coated surfaces can be used to clean effluent streams and anti-microbial coatings could revolutionise healthcare infrastructure. This means that this new generation of coatings will offer greater value-added benefits and product differentiation opportunities for manufacturers. The major challenges in translating these technologies into industry and hence products are the complex science involved in the development, application and durability of these new coatings systems. Hence, through this CDT we aim to train 50 EngD research engineers (REs) with the fundamental scientific expertise and research acumen to bridge this knowledge gap. Our REs will gather expertise on coatings manufacture regarding: - The substrate to be coated and the inherent challenges of adhesion - the fundamental chemical and physical understanding of a multitude of advanced functional coatings technologies ranging from photovoltaic materials to smart anti corrosion coatings - the chemical and physical challenges of the application and curing processes of coatings - the assessment of coating durability and lifetime with regards to environmental exposure e.g. corrosion and photo-degradation resistance - the implantation of a responsible and sustainable engineering philosophy throughout the manufacturing route to address materials scarcity issues and the fate of the materials at the end of their useful life. To address these challenges the CDT has been co-created with industry partners to ensure that the training and research is aligned to the needs of both manufacturers and the academic community thus providing a pathway for research translation but also a talent pipeline of people who are able to lead industry in the next generation of products and processes. These advanced coating technologies require a new scientific understanding with regards to their development, application and durability and hence the academic impact is also great enabling our REs to also lead within academia.