Collaboration may bring a cross-fertilisation of ideas which may in turn generate new insights or perspectives. The act of collaborating may be a source of stimulation and creativity. Hence, collaboration is greater than the sum of its parts."

Katz & Martin, Research Policy 1997 (26) 1

Research collaboration is the key to scientific advancement and we welcome all collaborators, both from academia and industry. Collaborations could be in the form of sharing or transfering of knowledge, skills and techniques. 

The Future Materials Group has experience and expertise in the area of materials processing and characterisations, with a focus on (ligno)cellulosic materials, polymeric materials, (nano)cellulosic materials, polymer (nano)composites, emulsions and foams. 

Our lab is equipped with various materials processing facilities including: a large volume (1.5 L) centrifuge, -60oC freeze dryer, Zwick cutter, hydraulic hot presses, film applicator, high-intensity UV flood lamp system, colloid mill, jet mill, injection moulder and laboratory scale twin screw extruder. In terms of characterisations, our lab is equipped witha micro-tensile tester (200 N load cell), two Krüss tensiometers (K100 and Easydrop), a Gurley densometer, an Akustron air permeability tester, water vapour permeability cups, helium pycnometer, UV/vis spetrophotometer, as well as an in-house built air filtration efficiency set-up. 

In addition, the Group also has access to departmental facilities and expertise for materials manufacturing (VARTM, autoclave, micro-braiding, hot presses), inspection (ultrasonic C-Scan, X-ray CT, SEM, light microscopes), characterisation (DSC, TGA, DMTA, rheometer) and testing (static, dynamic, impact, ballistic). We can also draw in expertise and facilities from other departments in the area of materials engineering and processing. 

If you would like to know more about how we could contribute to your work, please get in touch with us and hopefully we can turn these into successful collaborations.